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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 8:13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/21_Ecc_08_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 8:13 - Fear God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 8:12">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 8:13 <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 8:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong <i>his</i> days, <i>which are</i> as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong <i>his</i> days, <i>which are</i> as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But it will not go well for the evil person and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But it will not be well for the wicked man, and he will not prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God openly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But it will not be well for the evil man, nor will he lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />but no one who sins and rejects God will prosper or live very long. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But it will not go well for the wicked. They will not live any longer. Their lives are like shadows, because they don't fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />but it will not go well for the wicked. Their life is like a shadow and they will die young, because they do not obey God." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But things will not go well for the wicked person: he will not lengthen his life like a shadow, since he has no fear before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But it will not go well with the wicked, nor will they prolong their days like a shadow, because they do not stand in fear before God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow; because he doesn't fear God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow, because he doesn’t fear God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And good is not to the wicked, and he does not prolong days as a shadow, because he is not fearing before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And good is not to the wicked, and he doth not prolong days as a shadow, because he is not fearing before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it shall not be good to the unjust one; he shall not lengthen the days as a shadow, for he feared not from before the face of God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But let it not be well with the wicked, neither let his days be prolonged, but as a shadow let them pass away that fear not the face of the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So, may it not go well with the impious, and may his days not be prolonged. And let those who do not fear the face of the Lord pass away like a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and that it shall not be well with the wicked, who shall not prolong their shadowy days, for their lack of reverence toward God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />but it will not be well with the wicked, neither will they prolong their days like a shadow, because they do not stand in fear before God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are like a shadow; because he does not fear before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the wicked one will have no good, and he will not lengthen days like a shadow, because he is not in awe before God<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />but it shall not be well with the ungodly, and he shall not prolong his days, <i>which are</i> as a shadow; forasmuch as he fears not before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1540" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Fear God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">Yet because</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ê·nen·nū (Adv:: 3ms) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">the wicked do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3373.htm" title="3373: yā·rê (Adj-ms) -- Fearing, reverent. From yare'; fearing; morally, reverent.">fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mil·lip̄·nê (Prep-m, Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">it will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: wə·ṭō·wḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">well</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: lā·rā·šā‘ (Prep-l, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">with them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">and their days</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/748.htm" title="748: ya·’ă·rîḵ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be long. A primitive root; to be long.">lengthen</a> <a href="/hebrew/6738.htm" title="6738: kaṣ·ṣêl (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- A shadow. From tsalal; shade, whether literal or figurative.">like a shadow.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-9.htm">Psalm 37:9-10</a></span><br />For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. / Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Proverbs 10:27</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Isaiah 3:11</a></span><br />Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/18-5.htm">Job 18:5-21</a></span><br />Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. / The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. / His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-17.htm">Psalm 73:17-20</a></span><br />until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. / Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. / How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21</a></span><br />Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-20.htm">Isaiah 57:20-21</a></span><br />But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. / “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/20-5.htm">Job 20:5-29</a></span><br />the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? / Though his arrogance reaches the heavens, and his head touches the clouds, / he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-4.htm">Psalm 1:4-6</a></span><br />Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. / Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. / For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-20.htm">Proverbs 24:20</a></span><br />For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-49.htm">Matthew 13:49-50</a></span><br />So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous / and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Romans 2:8-9</a></span><br />But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. / There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:8-9</a></span><br />in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. / They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41-46</a></span><br />Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. / For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, / I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Luke 16:23-24</a></span><br />In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. / So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he fears not before God.</p><p class="hdg">it shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/18-5.htm">Job 18:5</a></b></br> Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/20-5.htm">Job 20:5</a></b></br> That the triumphing of the wicked <i>is</i> short, and the joy of the hypocrite <i>but</i> for a moment?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-30.htm">Job 21:30</a></b></br> That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.</p><p class="hdg">neither</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Psalm 55:23</a></b></br> But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/30-13.htm">Isaiah 30:13</a></b></br> Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">2 Peter 2:3</a></b></br> And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.</p><p class="hdg">as a</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a></b></br> For who knoweth what <i>is</i> good for man in <i>this</i> life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-6.htm">Job 7:6,7</a></b></br> My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2</a></b></br> He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-18.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Lengthen</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-17.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-3.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-16.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-2.htm">Lengthen</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-10.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/songs/2-3.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/songs/2-3.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">true wisdom is modest</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Kings are to be respected</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Divine providence is to be observed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">It is better with the godly in adversity, than with the wicked in prosperity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">The work of God is unsearchable</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Yet because the wicked do not fear God</b><br>The fear of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, often associated with wisdom and righteousness (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). In the context of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher observes the futility and vanity of life under the sun, emphasizing that a lack of reverence for God leads to moral and spiritual decay. The wicked, those who live in defiance of God's commandments, are contrasted with the righteous who fear God. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, a concept echoed in <a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a> and <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a>. The absence of this fear results in a life devoid of divine guidance and blessing.<p><b>it will not go well with them</b><br>This phrase highlights the inevitable consequences of living a life contrary to God's will. Throughout Scripture, there is a consistent message that disobedience and rebellion against God lead to negative outcomes (<a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Deuteronomy 28:15-68</a>). The Preacher in Ecclesiastes acknowledges the apparent prosperity of the wicked at times, but ultimately asserts that their end is not favorable. This aligns with the teachings found in <a href="/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, where the psalmist initially envies the prosperity of the wicked but later understands their ultimate downfall. The phrase serves as a reminder of the divine justice that governs the universe, even when it seems delayed.<p><b>and their days will not lengthen like a shadow</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, shadows were often used as metaphors for transience and the brevity of life. The imagery of a shadow suggests something fleeting and insubstantial. The wicked, who do not fear God, will not experience the blessing of a long and prosperous life, as promised to those who honor God (<a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a>). This phrase can be seen as a reflection on the temporal nature of earthly life and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who live in opposition to God's ways. The brevity of their days contrasts with the eternal life promised to the righteous, as seen in <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>. The shadow metaphor also points to the fleeting nature of worldly success and the enduring value of spiritual integrity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Refers to those who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. In the context of Ecclesiastes, the wicked are those who pursue life without regard for divine wisdom or fear of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. He reflects on the meaning of life and the futility of human endeavors without God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in the text, representing ultimate authority, justice, and the source of true wisdom. The fear of God is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing reverence and obedience.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/shadow.htm">Shadow</a></b><br>A metaphor used to describe the fleeting nature of life. In the Hebrew context, a shadow represents something insubstantial and temporary, highlighting the brevity of life without God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god.htm">Fear of God</a></b><br>A key theme in Ecclesiastes, representing reverence, awe, and obedience to God's will. It is contrasted with the life of the wicked, who lack this fear.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fleeting_nature_of_wickedness.htm">The Fleeting Nature of Wickedness</a></b><br>The life of the wicked is compared to a shadow, emphasizing its temporary and insubstantial nature. This serves as a reminder that living without regard for God leads to a life lacking true substance and permanence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_fearing_god.htm">The Importance of Fearing God</a></b><br>Fearing God is not about being afraid but about having a deep respect and reverence for Him. This fear leads to wisdom and a life that aligns with God's will, resulting in true fulfillment and longevity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ignoring_god.htm">The Consequences of Ignoring God</a></b><br>The verse warns that it will not be well with the wicked. This serves as a cautionary message that ignoring God's commandments and living a life of sin leads to negative consequences both in this life and beyond.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_success.htm">The Illusion of Success</a></b><br>The temporary success of the wicked can be deceiving. True success is measured by one's relationship with God and adherence to His ways, not by worldly achievements or pleasures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_eternal_perspective.htm">Living with Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>This verse encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters in light of eternity rather than the fleeting pleasures of this world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_the_wicked_prosper_in_divine_justice.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 implies that the wicked might sometimes prosper; how does that align with other biblical promises of divine justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job_12_6_align_with_wicked's_fate.htm">In Job 12:6, how does the idea that 'the tents of robbers are at peace' harmonize with other scriptures that insist the wicked are eventually punished?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_the_wicked_prosper_if_god_is_just.htm">If God is righteous (Jeremiah 12:1), why do the wicked prosper unchecked?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_ecclesiastes_4_1_condemn_oppressors.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:1 speaks of oppression but offers no clear solution--why doesn't the text explicitly condemn or address the oppressors?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">As a shadow.--</span><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm" title="For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/wisdom_of_solomon/2-5.htm" title="For our time is a very shadow that passeth away; and after our end there is no returning: for it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again.">Wisdom Of Solomon 2:5</a>; see also <a href="//apocrypha.org/wisdom_of_solomon/4-8.htm" title="For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years.">Wisdom Of Solomon 4:8</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But it shall not be well with the wicked</span>. If experience seemed often to militate against this assertion, Koheleth's faith prevailed against apparent contradictions. <span class="cmt_word">Neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow.</span> Above we read of a wicked man enjoying a long, untroubled life; here the contrary is stated. Such contradictions are seen every day. There are inscrutable reasons for the delay of judgment; but on the whole moral government is vindicated, and even the long life of a sinner is no blessing. The author of the Book of Wisdom writes (4:8), "Honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years;" and Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/65-20.htm">Isaiah 65:20</a>), <span class="accented">"The</span> sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed." Man's life is compared to a shadow because it passes away with the setting sun (see on Ecclesiastes 6:12). The Vulgate, in order to obviate the apparent discrepancy between this and the preceding verses, renders the verb in a precatory form: <span class="accented">Non sit bonum impio</span>, etc., "Let it not be well with the wicked, and let his days not be prolonged; but let them pass away as a shadow who fear not the Lord." This is quite unnecessary; and the words, <span class="accented">"as a shadow,"</span> according to the accents, belong to what precedes, as in the Authorized Version. Hitzig and others have adopted the Vulgate division, and render, "Like a shadow is he who fears not God." But there is no sufficient reason for disregarding the existing accentuation. Septuagint, "He shall not prolong his days in a shadow (<span class="greek">ἐν σκιᾷ</span>)." <span class="cmt_word">Because he feareth not before God</span>. This is the reason, looking to temporal retribution, why the wicked shall not live out half their days (<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:17</a>; <a href="/proverbs/10-27.htm">Proverbs 10:27</a>; <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Psalm 55:23</a>). Koheleth cleaves to the doctrine received from old time, although facts seem often to contradict it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Yet because</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the wicked] do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵינֶ֥נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·nen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fear</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרֵ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3373.htm">Strong's 3373: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fearing, reverent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go</span><br /><span class="heb">יִהְיֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">well</span><br /><span class="heb">וְטוֹב֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with [them],</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽרָשָׁ֔ע</span> <span class="translit">(lā·rā·šā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and their days</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lengthen</span><br /><span class="heb">יַאֲרִ֥יךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ya·’ă·rîḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_748.htm">Strong's 748: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, long</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a shadow.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּצֵּ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(kaṣ·ṣêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6738.htm">Strong's 6738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shadow</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-13.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8:13 But it shall not be well (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 8:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 8:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>