This is the second quotation. Its purpose is also to set a theme. The expression you know not is the key. We draw this conclusion from the parallel structure of the two introductory verses, verses 1-2.

Give a portion is the imperative that balances the verb “Cast” in verse 1. It simply says that a person should donate or give something. Again, as in the first verse, the saying can have conditional sense, “If you give….”

A portion balances “bread” in verse 1. The Hebrew term has been used before by Qoheleth to speak of the possible rewards people can expect in this life (see comments on “reward” in 2.10). In this setting, however, it does not mean “reward,” or “investment” as in Good News Translation. Rather it describes what someone already has, a “share.” Traditionally in Hebrew culture people shared “portions” or “meals” with each other at feast times. Indeed this is a common practice in many cultures around the world, either at times of feasting or mourning. Since this word is parallel with “bread,” it is quite likely that this is the primary meaning. The translator can render this meaning or take a wider view (as Jerusalem Bible does), “share [what you have].”

To seven, or even to eight: this phrase has its origins in the traditional numerical sayings in which two numbers (d x d* and d x+1d*) are used figuratively to represent numerous items. These sayings usually list the items being counted, but Qoheleth omits this. In most cases we will have to clarify the meaning as seven or eight people, as this is the intended meaning. The translator can choose to translate this numerical expression literally, thus preserving this literary feature of Hebrew wisdom literature, or translate the meaning as “to many people,” “to several people,” or similar. Good News Translation, which interprets the verse as a call to invest money, translates “in several places—many places in fact,” but we feel this goes beyond the meaning of the text.

This quoted saying can be treated in the same way as the first verse, retaining a fairly literal translation. We can justify this because Qoheleth does not focus on what the saying originally intended. Its function here is to provide a familiar quotation to which the readers can relate. It serves as an introduction to the second part of the verse, which is where Qoheleth will make his main point.

For you know not identifies the second theme for this subsection. The idea that there are many things we cannot know is basic to Qoheleth’s thinking. He is impressed by the fact that human wisdom is limited. See, for instance, 8.7; 9.12. The idea is important here and is repeated in verses 5-6. The initial ki can be translated as for or “because.”

What evil may happen on earth: on the translation of evil see comments on the term “grievous” in 2.17. We suggest a meaning like “catastrophe,” “calamity,” or “misfortune.” Good News Translation suggests “bad luck,” but this expression may not be appropriate in religious contexts if it conveys the idea of predetermined fate.

On earth: this refers to what happens “in this world” (as in 8.16).

Though the verse itself does not tell us who the disaster strikes, it is likely that the donor is meant. In many cultures, especially in Africa, giving to others is regarded as a kind of insurance against the day of misfortune; if we are kind to others, they will in turn be kind to us when we are in need. This is probably the original meaning of the saying. This interpretation is in line with verse 1, where the bread comes back to the person who gives it. Since the verse gives no details, however, we can use general terms: “you do not know what disaster will strike,” or “you do not know what misfortune can occur.” If the person being affected must be indicated, we suggest it is the person who gives rather than the person who receives: “you do not know what calamity can hit you.” The point here seems to be that it is proper to share things, and that when we give things away, there is a return.

Two models for translation are:

• It is also said, “Give a share to seven or eight people, because you don’t know when trouble will strike you.”

• Share what you have with seven or eight other people. You don’t know what misfortune will happen to you.

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 .