Although the verbs in this verse are, strictly speaking, imperatives or the equivalent, in certain contexts they may also express a longing or wish. Revised Standard Version Let … may be understood this way, but other major English versions all use imperatives here. Translators should use the most acceptable form in their language, that is, an imperative (“Always wear white”), a form expressing habit or custom (“You should always wear white”), or the equivalent of one of these.

The theme of enjoyment continues. In the phrase Let your garments be always white, the adjective white represents joy (compare Est 8.15). The white clothing is therefore worn as part of a celebration. White may also suggest that the clothes are clean and pure, though in the present context that meaning is less likely. In some cultures white is the color associated with death, so a literal translation would reverse Qoheleth’s point. The meaning of this saying will then need to be made clear. This can be done by indicating that the color white is used for festive occasions: “Always wear white festive clothes,” or “Always wear festive clothes, white and sparkling for the occasion!” In some extreme cases we may want to omit mention of the color and focus on the function: “Always wear festive clothes” or “Always dress as though it’s a feast time.”

Always, literally “on every occasion” or “all the time,” is not intended to mean we should never wear clothes of any other color. The entire verse is metaphorical, using the symbols of clothing and oil for advising the reader to live a life that is altogether joyous and happy.

Let not oil be lacking on your head is parallel to the first saying and so indicates something people do in preparation for a festival. In many cultures people cover their faces or bodies with oil, especially when they are dressing up for a special occasion. Within the context of the Old Testament, we note that oil on the head has special significance, and this may also be part of the meaning here. In Psa 23.5 “anointing the head with oil” is a metaphor for God’s special blessing and the joy that this brings. In Psa 45.7 reference to the “oil of gladness” is probably behind Good News Translation “Always look … cheerful.” Adopting a cultural substitute is always a possibility, but translators must be careful not to suggest to readers that certain of their own practices were typical of Hebrew culture. New American Bible and Bible en français courant refer to “perfume,” and this seems acceptable.

Let not … be lacking, which is parallel to Let … be always in the first saying, is Qoheleth’s advice to the wise person to take every opportunity to enjoy God’s blessing.

We have noted that white clothes and oil may be symbols for God’s blessings in general. We may want to bring this out with a translation such as “[May you] always wear festive clothes and anoint yourself with oil, symbol of gladness.” Good News Translation is more radical, translating meaning only: “Always look happy and cheerful.” Context is important here. Since surrounding verses speak of basic pleasures such as eating, drinking, and love, a straightforward translation is quite appropriate here.

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 .