Ecclesiastes 3:1

KJV

¶ To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

KJV (with Strong's)

To every thing there is a season {H2165}, and a time {H6256} to every purpose {H2656} under the heaven {H8064}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For everything there is a season, a right time for every intention under heaven

Berean Standard Bible

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

American Standard Version

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 3:1 serves as the foundational statement for one of the most iconic poetic passages in Scripture, asserting a profound truth about the nature of existence: that every event, every endeavor, and every human experience unfolds according to a divinely appointed timing and purpose. This verse introduces the concept that life is not a chaotic series of random occurrences but an intricate tapestry woven with specific seasons and intentions, all operating under the sovereign hand of God, even when perceived from a purely earthly perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 3:1 initiates a celebrated poetic section (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) that stands as a central pillar in the book of Ecclesiastes. This passage shifts from the Preacher's earlier lamentations about the "vanity" or "meaninglessness" (`hebel`) of life "under the sun" (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")) to a more structured, albeit still somber, exploration of life's rhythms. The preceding chapters have detailed the futility of wisdom, pleasure, toil, and wealth when pursued as ultimate ends. Chapter 3, beginning with this verse, introduces the idea that while human effort may seem futile, there is an overarching divine order and timing that governs all things, providing a framework within which human experience unfolds. This poetic structure, with its antithetical pairs, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's control over all aspects of life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, though its precise authorship and dating are debated among scholars. Regardless, it reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, engaging with universal human questions about purpose, meaning, and the nature of good and evil. The phrase "under the heaven" (or "under the sun," a recurring motif, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - Toil Under the Sun")) grounds the Preacher's observations in the earthly, temporal realm of human experience, distinct from the eternal, divine perspective. This perspective acknowledges the cyclical nature of agricultural and human life in the ancient Near East, where seasons dictated survival and prosperity. The Preacher's observations resonate with common human experiences across cultures and times, reflecting on the universal ebb and flow of life events, from birth and death to war and peace, all understood within a larger, divinely ordained framework.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that permeate Ecclesiastes and the broader wisdom literature. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; the assertion that "to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose" directly points to God's ultimate control and orchestration of all events, even those that appear chaotic or random to human eyes. This contrasts sharply with the earlier expressions of human frustration and limited control. Secondly, the theme of **Order and Design** emerges, suggesting that life, despite its apparent meaninglessness "under the sun," possesses an inherent structure and rhythm established by a higher power. This order provides a hidden purpose even in seemingly difficult or contradictory experiences. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Acceptance and Wisdom in Timing**, implying that true wisdom lies not in striving against these divinely appointed seasons but in discerning and aligning oneself with them. This understanding contributes to the book's overarching pursuit of what is truly "good" for humanity in a world filled with "vanity," moving towards the conclusion that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the whole duty of man ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Whole Duty of Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **season (Hebrew, _zᵉmân'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to appoint," this word signifies an appointed occasion, a specific, fixed, or opportune time. Unlike a general period, _zᵉmân_ implies a designated moment or season, suggesting intentionality and divine orchestration rather than mere chronological passage. It points to a pre-determined slot in the timeline of existence.
* **time (Hebrew, _ʻêth'_):** This term is broader than _zᵉmân_, referring to time in general, often with the nuance of a particular moment or period, especially one that is appropriate or due. It can denote "now," "when," or a "season." Its usage here alongside _zᵉmân_ emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this divine ordering, covering both the specific, appointed instances and the broader periods of life.
* **purpose (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** While often translated as "purpose," _chêphets_ carries a richer semantic range, including pleasure, desire, delight, or a matter/affair. In this context, it refers to the particular undertaking, matter, or intention that has its appointed time. It implies not just an activity, but the underlying will or desire behind it, suggesting that God's "purpose" is tied to His divine "pleasure" or "will" for all things.
* **heaven (Hebrew, _shâmayim'_):** This word refers to the sky or heavens, often understood as the abode of God or the realm above the earthly sphere. The phrase "under the heaven" (`tachath hashshamayim`) is synonymous with the Preacher's recurring motif "under the sun" (`tachath hashshemesh`), emphasizing the earthly, temporal realm where these divinely orchestrated seasons and purposes unfold, indicating that this truth applies to all of human existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To every [thing there is] a season,"**: This opening clause establishes the universal principle that nothing in existence is random or without its designated period. The phrase "every thing" (though implied in the KJV, it's inherent in the Hebrew construction) underscores the comprehensive scope of this truth, applying to all aspects of creation and human experience. The term "season" (_zᵉmân_) emphasizes an appointed, specific, and often opportune time, suggesting a divine schedule rather than mere chronological flow.
* **"and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"**: This second clause parallels and expands upon the first, reinforcing the idea of divinely ordered timing. "Time" (_ʻêth_) here serves as a broader term encompassing the specific "season," while "purpose" (_chêphets_) indicates that these appointed times are not arbitrary but are tied to specific intentions, desires, or undertakings. The concluding phrase "under the heaven" (or "under the sun") grounds this profound theological statement in the earthly realm, affirming that this divine order governs all of human life and activity, from the mundane to the momentous.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 3:1 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and a time to every purpose under the heaven") reiterates and expands upon the first ("To every thing there is a season"). Both clauses convey the same core idea of divinely ordained timing and purpose, reinforcing its universality and certainty. The verse also utilizes **Merism** by implying a comprehensive scope through the use of "every thing" and "every purpose," which sets the stage for the exhaustive list of antithetical pairs in the subsequent verses (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8), covering all aspects of human experience from birth to death, weeping to laughing, war to peace. This comprehensive listing functions as a form of **Enumeration**, demonstrating the pervasive reach of God's timing. Finally, the phrase "under the heaven" is a recurring **Motif** in Ecclesiastes, serving as a constant reminder that the Preacher's observations are grounded in the temporal, earthly realm of human experience, often highlighting its limitations and frustrations, yet here, it points to the divine order within that realm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 3:1 articulates a foundational theological truth about divine sovereignty and the purposeful ordering of creation. It asserts that God is not merely an observer but the active orchestrator of all life's events, imbuing every "season" and "purpose" with His ultimate design. This perspective offers a crucial counterpoint to the sense of futility ("vanity") that pervades much of Ecclesiastes, suggesting that even in the face of seemingly random or uncontrollable circumstances, there is an underlying divine plan. This understanding invites believers to cultivate patience, trust, and discernment, recognizing that God's timing is always perfect, even when it doesn't align with human expectations or desires. It challenges the human inclination to control outcomes and instead calls for submission to a higher, wiser will.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 3:1 offers profound comfort and guidance for navigating the complexities of life. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, this verse reminds us that there is a divine hand at work, orchestrating every moment and every purpose. It encourages us to release the burden of needing to control every outcome and instead to trust in God's perfect timing. This means embracing each season—whether of joy or sorrow, abundance or scarcity, activity or rest—as an intentional part of God's plan for our lives. It calls us to cultivate wisdom, not just to understand *what* to do, but *when* to do it, and perhaps more importantly, *when* to wait, *when* to grieve, and *when* to rejoice. Living by this principle fosters patience, resilience, and a deeper sense of peace, knowing that even in adversity, there is a divine purpose unfolding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "season" of life do you currently find yourself in, and how does understanding God's timing in Ecclesiastes 3:1 help you embrace it?**
* **How does the concept of "a time to every purpose" challenge your desire for immediate gratification or control over circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's timing more, rather than striving in your own strength?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty over all seasons bring you peace in times of uncertainty or difficulty?**

### FAQ
**Does "every thing" truly mean everything, including suffering and evil?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "to every thing" in Ecclesiastes 3:1, followed by the comprehensive list of antithetical pairs in Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 (e.g., a time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh), strongly suggests that the Preacher intends a universal scope. This includes both pleasant and painful experiences, moments of joy and times of sorrow, acts of love and acts of war. While the verse asserts that there is a divinely appointed timing for all these events "under the heaven," it does not necessarily imply that God *causes* all evil, but rather that even within a fallen world, He sovereignly permits and works through all circumstances to fulfill His ultimate purposes. This perspective is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good"), which states that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 3:1, with its profound declaration of a divinely appointed "season" and "time to every purpose," finds its ultimate fulfillment and most glorious expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Preacher observes the cyclical nature of life "under the heaven" with a sense of fatalism or resignation, the New Testament reveals that God's perfect timing culminated in the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of His Son. The apostle Paul declares that "when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")), indicating that Christ's arrival was not random but precisely orchestrated according to God's eternal purpose. Jesus Himself understood His life and ministry as bound by divine timing, frequently stating, "My time has not yet come" ([John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Time Has Not Yet Come")) or "The hour has come" ([John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer")). The cross, the ultimate act of suffering and death, was not a tragic accident but "the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Definite Plan")). Through Christ, every season—even those of pain and loss—is redeemed and given new meaning, as He transforms death into life, sorrow into joy, and futility into eternal purpose. He is the one in whom "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")), bringing ultimate coherence and divine intentionality to every aspect of existence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 3:17

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for [there is] a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Matthew 16:3

And in the morning, [It will be] foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O [ye] hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not [discern] the signs of the times?

Ecclesiastes 8:5

Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

Ecclesiastes 8:6

¶ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man [is] great upon him.

Ecclesiastes 7:14

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

2 Kings 5:26

And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

Proverbs 15:23

¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!