Ecclesiastes 8:13

Authorized King James Version

But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְטוֹב֙

H2896

But it shall not be well

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָֽרָשָׁ֔ע

H7563

with the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַאֲרִ֥יךְ

H748

neither shall he prolong

to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)

יָמִ֖ים

H3117

his days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

כַּצֵּ֑ל

H6738

which are as a shadow

shade, whether literal or figurative

אֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

אֵינֶ֥נּוּ

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#11

יָרֵ֖א

H3373

because he feareth

fearing; morally, reverent

#12

מִלִּפְנֵ֥י

H6440

not before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#13

אֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ecclesiastes. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ecclesiastes Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ecclesiastes chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Wisdom