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.

I said {H559} in mine heart {H3820}, God {H430} shall judge {H8199} the righteous {H6662} and the wicked {H7563}: for there is a time {H6256} there for every purpose {H2656} and for every work {H4639}.

I said to myself, "The righteous and the wicked God will judge, because there is a right time for every intention and for every action."

I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every deed.”

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 3:17 captures a profound conclusion drawn by the Preacher (Koheleth) amidst his observations on life's cycles and apparent inconsistencies. After listing various "times" for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8), he reflects on the human experience, where justice is often elusive and the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. This verse expresses a deep, internal conviction that despite earthly appearances, a divine reckoning is assured.

Context

This verse immediately follows the Preacher's meditation on the cyclical nature of life and the inherent frustrations of human endeavor. He observes that much of human toil and wisdom seems ultimately meaningless "under the sun" if there is no ultimate purpose or justice. The human heart yearns for fairness, yet the world often presents an unfair reality. In light of this, the Preacher arrives at a crucial theological anchor: the certainty of God's future judgment. This belief provides a necessary counterpoint to the seemingly random or unjust events of life, affirming that divine order will ultimately prevail.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The central message is the absolute certainty of God's ultimate justice. The Preacher states with conviction that God will indeed judge both the righteous and the wicked, ensuring that no action goes unnoticed or unaddressed.
  • God's Sovereignty and Order: This verse underscores God's complete control over time and destiny. Even if human justice fails or is delayed, God has an appointed "time there" for every purpose and every work, demonstrating His perfect administration of the universe.
  • Universal Accountability: The judgment applies to all—"the righteous and the wicked." This highlights that all humanity is accountable to God, regardless of their earthly status or perceived success.
  • Future Orientation: The phrase "a time there" points beyond the present earthly realm to a specific, divinely appointed future moment when justice will be fully executed, bringing meaning and resolution to life's paradoxes.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "I said in mine heart" (Hebrew: 'amar b'libbi) indicates a deep, settled conviction or an internal monologue. It's not a casual thought but a profound conclusion reached through contemplation and observation.
  • The word "judge" (Hebrew: shafat) implies more than just condemnation. It encompasses the full administration of justice, including vindication of the innocent, punishment of the guilty, and the setting right of all wrongs.
  • "A time there" (Hebrew: 'et sham) is significant. While Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 speaks of "a time for everything" in the present earthly experience, "a time there" points to a specific, appointed future time and place for this ultimate judgment, contrasting with the often chaotic "times" of human existence.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 3:17 offers profound comfort and a sobering warning. For those who witness or experience injustice, it provides the assurance that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately rectify all wrongs and balance the scales. This truth can sustain hope in difficult times, knowing that true justice is not merely an ideal but a divine reality.

Conversely, it serves as a powerful reminder of universal accountability for our deeds. Every action, good or evil, public or secret, has significance in the eyes of God. This understanding encourages believers to live with integrity and purpose, knowing that their choices matter and will be weighed in God's perfect "time there." As the book concludes, Ecclesiastes 12:14 reiterates, "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:14

    For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

  • Matthew 16:27

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

  • Psalms 98:9

    Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6

    Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:10

    When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.