On the structure and phrases that this verse shares with verse 12, see comments above. This second affirmation by Qoheleth is the mirror image of that in the last part of verse 12; it states negatively what was there expressed in positive terms.

But can also be translated as “on the other hand…” or by an equivalent conjunction. Seeing that verses 12 and 13 are so closely linked, it is possible to repeat “I know that” from verse 12 in verse 13: “I also know that….” Another possibility is to combine the two sentences and translate the Hebrew connective as “and”: “I know that it will be well with those who fear God … and that it will not be well with….”

It will not be well is the negative form of the saying in verse 12, although here there is more emphasis given to the word for well (“good”), since it occurs at the beginning of the verse in the Hebrew. We can reflect this emphasis by saying “No good thing will….” What Qoheleth means by the term “good” here is explained in the following phrase; “benefit” is an alternative rendering. As in the previous verse, this can be rendered by using a verb, with an expression like “will not be better off,” or “will not prosper.”

The wicked: see comments on 3.16-17. While in verse 12 “those who fear God” is plural, here the reference is singular, the wicked [person]. This may indicate this person’s insignificance. But we can also take the singular form in Hebrew as a collective or representative term for all evildoers. Translation can be “those who do evil,” “those who are corrupt.”

Neither will he prolong his days: a second or parallel statement makes clear why it will not be well with the wicked. On the phrase prolong his days, see comments on 7.15. Days is idiomatic for the length of a person’s life. Good News Translation is very clear, “they will die young.”

Like a shadow: in 6.12 a shadow symbolized a short time; in 7.12 it symbolized “protection.” Some suggest that the image here is different from the two previous ones, namely, that as the day grows later, the shadow grows longer. As an image for a person’s life, it indicates that the evil person may live longer. However, this is probably an overinterpretation of the “shadow” image, giving the wrong sense in this context. The more correct view is probably that the shadow is a fleeting thing, so it represents a short period of time (as in 6.12). This is the sense of Good News Translation (“Their life is like a shadow and they will die young”). New American Bible suggests “his shadowy days,” but it is almost impossible to know what that may mean. New English Bible applies “shadow” to the evil persons themselves: “the man … is a mere shadow,” but this too is doubtful. In many languages the image of the shadow may not be acceptable or it may have other meanings. If this is the case, it is probably best to ignore the form and express the meaning. New Jerusalem Bible provides a good model: “he will not live long.”

Because he does not fear before God: as in verse 12 this clause gives the basis for arguing that the evil person will not live a long life. Fear as we have seen, means to honor God. The use of a firm negative with the participle of the verb “fear” indicates a lifestyle in which God’s ways are completely rejected. This is reflected in Good News Translation “because they do not obey God.”

In translation we can say:

• On the other hand, there is no good in store for the corrupt; like a shadow, they will not live long. This is because they do not honor [or, obey] God.

• I know also, “Evil people will not prosper nor will they have a long life.” This is because they do not honor God.

• But evil-doers will not prosper, nor will they live very long, because they don’t respect God.

If we attempt to demonstrate the parallelism in verses 12b and 13, we can say something like:

• I am certain that those who respect God will prosper,
because they respect him.
But evildoers—whose lives are brief as a shadow—will not prosper,
because they do not respect God [at all].

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Zogbo, Lynell. A Handbook on the Book of Ecclesiates. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .