King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 8:13 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 8:13 in the King James Version says “But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth n...” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ecclesiastes 8:13 · KJV

Context

11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

12

Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

13

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.

14

There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.

15

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days—this verse provides the counterpoint to verse 12. Despite observable exceptions where sinners live long (v.12), ultimate reality sides with justice. The phrase 'lo yitab' (לֹא־יִיטַב, not be well) indicates comprehensive ill-being, not merely premature death.

Which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God—the shadow metaphor (katsel, כַּצֵּל) depicts insubstantiality and impermanence. Even if the wicked lives long physically, his life lacks substance and permanence. The root cause is specified: 'he feareth not before God' (eino yare miliph'ne ha'Elohim, אֵינֶנּוּ יָרֵא מִלִּפְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים). Absence of reverential awe toward God produces life without lasting value. This verse teaches that true longevity isn't measured by biological years but by eternal significance rooted in God-fearing obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's Scripture records numerous instances of wicked individuals whose apparent success proved ephemeral: Pharaoh drowned despite decades of power; Haman was hanged on his own gallows; Herod Agrippa was struck down at his zenith (Acts 12:21-23). The shadow metaphor appears throughout biblical poetry depicting life's brevity (Job 8:9; Psalm 102:11; 144:4; James 4:14). Post-exilic wisdom reflected on how Babylon, despite conquering Jerusalem and prospering for decades, ultimately fell to Persia—proving that ungodly empires prove transient 'shadows.' Jesus taught that those who gain the whole world but forfeit their souls lose everything (Mark 8:36). The Reformers emphasized that apart from covenant relationship with God, even the longest, most prosperous life amounts to substantial nothingness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing life 'as a shadow' without God-fearing obedience change your perspective on success, achievement, and legacy?
  2. In what ways might your life have 'shadow-like' insubstantiality despite external accomplishments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְטוֹב֙1 of 13

“But it shall not be well”

H2896

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

לֹֽא2 of 13
H3808

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

יִהְיֶ֣ה3 of 13
H1961

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

לָֽרָשָׁ֔ע4 of 13

“with the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

וְלֹֽא5 of 13
H3808

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

יַאֲרִ֥יךְ6 of 13

“neither shall he prolong”

H748

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

יָמִ֖ים7 of 13

“his days”

H3117

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

כַּצֵּ֑ל8 of 13

“which are as a shadow”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

אֲשֶׁ֛ר9 of 13
H834

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

אֵינֶ֥נּוּ10 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יָרֵ֖א11 of 13

“because he feareth”

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

מִלִּפְנֵ֥י12 of 13

“not before”

H6440

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

אֱלֹהִֽים׃13 of 13

“God”

H430

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ecclesiastes 8:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ecclesiastes 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 6:12Isaiah 3:11Job 14:2Malachi 3:18Isaiah 57:21Matthew 13:49-50

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