Ecclesiastes 3

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 3 of 12

¹ To all there is an appointed time, even a time for every purpose under the heavens:

² a time to bear, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pull up what is planted;

³ a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build up;

Chapter Summary

By the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail. There is an excellence in Jehovah's works. Jehovah shall judge man.

Key Hebrew Words

עֵת time, season H6256 · TWOT 1650b

חֵ֫פֶץ purpose, matter H2656 · TWOT 712b

עוֹלָם eternity H5769 · TWOT 1631a

מִשְׁפָּט judgment H4941 · TWOT 2443c

רוּחַ spirit, breath H7307 · TWOT 2131a

מַתַּת gift H4991 · TWOT 1443d

People & Context

The Preacher

The narrator who observes the appointed times for all things and reflects on God's eternal work and coming judgment

God

The Creator who makes everything beautiful in its time, sets eternity in the heart, and will judge the righteous and wicked

Timeline

A Time for Everything

The Preacher observes that there is an appointed time for every event and purpose under heaven, such as birth, death, weeping, laughing, war, and peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

God's Eternal Work and Man's Limitations

God has made everything beautiful in its time and placed eternity in human hearts, yet humans cannot comprehend God's eternal and unalterable work from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

Injustice and Divine Judgment

The Preacher observes wickedness in the place of judgment but maintains that God will ultimately judge both the righteous and the wicked.

Ecclesiastes 3:16-17

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