The problem Qoheleth observed was not simply a case of failed justice. Rather, it was the effect that this situation had on the conduct of others. People are led astray when they see that evil goes unpunished.

The introductory Because is actually the relative marker functionally equivalent to the particle ki, “since,” “because.” In the next verses (12, 13, 15) it will appear often with this function. Note that in this verse the reason comes before the result: because evil deeds are not quickly punished, everyone does evil. Stating the reason first means that the reason is being emphasized, and translators should try to match this emphasis. It may be more natural in some languages to begin with the result clause and then express the reason. Good News Translation brings the second clause to the front of the verse and puts it in question form, so that the “because” clause is the answer to that question. This is one way to emphasize the reason. Other possibilities are to begin the sentence with “When” or “If”: “If the sentence against evil is not quickly carried out, then….” These alternatives preserve the meaning of the verse, though they may lose some of the impact.

Sentence against an evil deed: the rare term translated sentence describes a decision made by authorities; so here it relates to the legal decision to punish those who live an evil life. An evil deed is a phrase that includes all the evil deeds done by the people concerned. Though in Hebrew it is a collective noun, we can use a singular or plural form in translation, depending on what is most natural. We give its meaning as “the evil he [or, they] did,” or “his [or, their] evil ways.”

Is not executed speedily simply means that the punishment due was not given promptly, or perhaps not given at all. In the example given in the previous verse, it sounds as though the person died before he was ever condemned for his evil. More than that, the evil person was not only unpunished, he was actually honored by the community instead of being buried in disgrace. When Revised Standard Version uses the verb executed, it should not be misunderstood. It does not mean here “put to death” but “carried out” (as in Jerusalem Bible) or “done.” Qoheleth represents the view that all evil should be dealt with speedily. This is important not only because the authority of the Law is at stake, but also to discourage others from following the evil person’s example in the belief that they will escape punishment also. So Good News Translation gives “… crime is not punished quickly enough.” It is not possible to say whether punishment was from God or by the authorities. However, throughout Qoheleth the problem of justice not being carried out is more a faith issue than a purely legal one. Here too it is likely that Qoheleth is disturbed by the fact that God did not step in and correct the injustice.

In many languages the passage will have to be reworded to achieve a natural expression. We can say “When punishment [or, judgment] does not come quickly to people who do evil things…” or “Because evil acts are not quickly punished….” As noted above, it is difficult to know who is responsible for bringing this legal action, whether God or human officials. In some languages it will be necessary to put the entire phrase into the active mode, and in this case an agent will have to be named. Thus an impersonal form may be best under the circumstances: “When they do not punish people quickly for the evil they do….”

The heart of the sons of men refers to “human intentions.” The phrase is introduced by “therefore” in Hebrew, which is not translated in Revised Standard Version; stylistically this conjunction balances “because” at the beginning of the verse. Many languages will require a conjunction here, and in this case the translator should choose two conjunctions that are effective together, such as “When … then” or “Because … therefore.” Heart throughout this book has been rendered as “mind.” However, in this context the term applies less to the intellectual aspect; “intentions,” “will,” or “determination” approach its meaning better.

Sons of men is literal Hebrew and refers to all human beings, so in translation it becomes “everyone.” Again a literal translation of this phrase is possible in some languages.

It is possible that sons of men here refers to people other than those who do evil. If this interpretation is followed, we can translate “everyone else” or “other people.” However, it is possible that these evildoers are meant to be included in the example. Because they are not punished quickly, their hearts (as well as the hearts of others) are fully determined to do evil. Because the phrase is a little ambiguous, a general translation is probably best; “everyone” or “people” will serve well.

Is fully set to do evil points to their determination based on the belief that evil will go unpunished. They believe that to follow corrupt practices will bring other benefits. The clause is literally “the heart of the sons of men is full in them to do evil.” The verb “is full” describes the heart, meaning that people are “absolutely determined” to do wrong. The level of their determination should be made clear by our choice of verb or additional adverb. The purpose in mind is expressed by the infinitive “to do” or “to act in a certain way.” In the social context evil may also be rendered as “corruption.”

For translation of the whole verse:

• For, when people are not punished quickly for the evil they do, they are fully convinced that there is no harm in being corrupt.

• Because evil deeds are not quickly punished, people are set on doing evil [all the more].

In active form:

• Because they do not punish evildoers immediately, no one thinks there is anything wrong in doing evil.

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 .