Ecclesiastes 3:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 3:17 captures a profound conclusion drawn by the Preacher (Koheleth) amidst his observations on life's cycles and apparent inconsistencies. 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, affirming God's ultimate sovereignty and the certainty that He has an appointed time for every purpose and every work to be brought to account.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 3:17 stands as a pivotal theological anchor within the Preacher's broader discourse on the paradoxes of life "under the sun." It immediately follows his famous meditation on the cyclical nature of time and human activity, where "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything"). While verses [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3 "Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time for Everything") enumerate the myriad human experiences, they also implicitly highlight the futility and frustration that can arise when purpose is not clearly perceived or justice is not immediately evident. The Preacher, having observed the seemingly arbitrary nature of human toil and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, transitions from a descriptive observation of life's rhythms to a prescriptive theological conviction about divine order. This verse serves as a crucial counterpoint to the apparent chaos and injustice, asserting a fundamental truth that transcends earthly observation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes, likely written during the Persian or Hellenistic period, reflects a context where the traditional wisdom teachings of Israel were being rigorously tested against the realities of life. While earlier wisdom literature often posited a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity (e.g., [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - The Integrity of the Upright")), the Preacher grapples with the observed inconsistencies where the righteous suffer and the wicked thrive [Ecclesiastes 7:15](/ecclesiastes/7-15 "Ecclesiastes 7:15 - Righteousness and Wickedness"). In ancient Israel, justice was not merely a legal concept but a theological one, deeply intertwined with God's character as a righteous judge. The expectation of divine judgment was a cornerstone of their worldview, providing hope for the oppressed and a warning for the oppressor. This verse, therefore, taps into a deeply held cultural and religious belief in God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to justice, even when it is not immediately apparent in human affairs.

* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 3:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that God, not human effort or earthly circumstances, holds ultimate control over time and destiny. Even when human justice systems fail or are delayed, God's perfect administration is assured. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Ultimate Justice**, providing a theological anchor against the Preacher's observations of vanity and injustice. The certainty of God's judgment ensures that all actions, good or evil, will eventually be brought to account, providing meaning and resolution to life's apparent paradoxes. This extends to the theme of **Universal Accountability**, as the judgment applies to "the righteous and the wicked," emphasizing that all humanity is answerable to God, regardless of their earthly status. Finally, the phrase "a time there" introduces a **Future Orientation**, pointing beyond the immediate earthly realm to a specific, divinely appointed future moment when justice will be fully executed, bringing ultimate vindication and reckoning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, this term refers to the innermost being, encompassing not only emotions but also the will, intellect, and the very center of a person's thoughts and intentions. When the Preacher says, "I said in mine heart," it signifies a deep, settled conviction, an internal monologue that has been contemplated and concluded, rather than a fleeting thought or external declaration. It represents a profound theological realization arrived at through observation and reflection.
* **judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** From H8199, this primitive root signifies more than merely pronouncing a verdict of condemnation. It encompasses the full administration of justice, including the vindication of the innocent, the punishment of the guilty, and the setting right of all wrongs. In this context, it speaks to God's active role as the supreme arbiter who will ultimately restore order and equity where human systems have failed or been corrupted.
* **time (Hebrew, _ʻêth'_):** From H6256, this word denotes a specific, appointed period or season. While Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 speaks of a general "time for everything" within the ordinary course of life "under the sun," the addition of "there" (_sham_) in "a time there" points to a distinct, divinely appointed future moment and place. This is not just any time, but the specific, eschatological time when God's ultimate judgment will be fully realized, contrasting with the often chaotic and unjust "times" of human existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I said in mine heart,"** This opening phrase reveals the Preacher's internal theological processing. It signifies a profound, personal conviction that has been reached through deep contemplation and observation of life's complexities and apparent injustices. It is not a casual thought but a settled conclusion, a truth that has resonated deeply within his innermost being, providing an anchor amidst the uncertainties he has explored.
* **"God shall judge the righteous and the wicked:"** This is the core theological assertion of the verse. Despite the observed inequities where the wicked often prosper and the righteous suffer "under the sun," the Preacher confidently declares God's ultimate and inevitable role as judge. This judgment is comprehensive, encompassing all humanity, ensuring that no action, whether good or evil, goes unnoticed or unaddressed by the divine arbiter. It establishes a divine standard of accountability that transcends human perception or earthly outcomes.
* **"for [there is] a time there for every purpose and for every work."** This concluding clause provides the rationale for the certainty of God's judgment. The phrase "a time there" points to a divinely appointed, specific future moment and place, distinct from the general "times" of daily life mentioned earlier in the chapter. It implies that God has a predetermined schedule and ultimate purpose for bringing all human actions ("every purpose and every work") to account. This ensures that divine justice is not arbitrary or immediate, but perfectly timed and executed according to God's sovereign plan, bringing ultimate meaning and resolution to the apparent randomness or injustice of life.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 3:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The opening phrase, "**Internal Monologue**" ("I said in mine heart"), immediately draws the reader into the Preacher's personal journey of contemplation, lending authenticity and weight to his theological conclusion. It signifies a deeply held conviction rather than a mere observation. The verse then presents a clear "**Antithesis**" by explicitly contrasting "the righteous and the wicked," highlighting the universal scope of God's judgment and the distinct moral categories that will be addressed. This stark contrast underscores the comprehensive nature of divine justice. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful "**Assertion**" or theological declaration, providing a definitive answer to the existential questions posed earlier in the book. The Preacher moves from questioning and observation to a firm statement of faith in God's ultimate control and justice, providing a crucial point of stability amidst the vanity he describes. The phrase "a time there" also functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at an eschatological reality that will bring ultimate resolution to the paradoxes of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 3:17 serves as a crucial theological anchor, affirming God's unwavering commitment to justice in a world often marked by apparent inequity. It resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of a sovereign God who is not only the Creator but also the righteous Judge of all the earth. This truth provides comfort to those who suffer injustice, assuring them that their cries will not go unheard, and a sobering warning to those who act wickedly, reminding them of ultimate accountability. The Preacher's internal conviction aligns with the consistent biblical portrayal of God as one who "executes justice for the oppressed" and "will judge the world in righteousness" [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously"). This verse anticipates the full revelation of God's judicial character, which culminates in the New Testament's teachings on final judgment.

* [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "God Judges the World Righteously")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")
* [Ecclesiastes 12:14](/ecclesiastes/12-14 "The Whole Duty of Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Ecclesiastes 3:17 carries immense weight for contemporary believers. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail, where moral lines are blurred, and where the wicked frequently appear to prosper, this verse offers a bedrock of hope and stability. It reminds us that our perspective is limited, and God's timeline is not ours. The certainty of a future divine judgment means that our struggles for righteousness are not in vain, and the wrongs committed will not ultimately go unaddressed. This truth should shape our worldview, fostering patience in suffering, courage in advocating for justice, and diligence in living righteously, knowing that every action has eternal significance in the eyes of a just God. It calls us to live with integrity, not merely for earthly reward or recognition, but in light of an ultimate divine reckoning that will set all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Preacher's internal conviction ("I said in mine heart") resonate with your own wrestling with life's apparent injustices?**
* **In what ways does the certainty of God's future judgment impact your daily choices and your pursuit of righteousness?**
* **How can the truth that "there is a time there for every purpose and for every work" provide comfort or challenge in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "I said in mine heart" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "I said in mine heart" (Hebrew: _'amar b'libbi_) indicates a deep, internal conviction or a settled conclusion reached through profound contemplation. It's not a casual thought but a theological truth that the Preacher has wrestled with and affirmed within his innermost being. This personal affirmation lends significant weight to the declaration that follows, emphasizing that the certainty of God's judgment is a foundational belief for him, providing an anchor amidst the uncertainties of life "under the sun" as explored throughout [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes "The Book of Ecclesiastes").

**How does "a time there" in Ecclesiastes 3:17 differ from "a time for everything" in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8?**

Answer: While [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3 "Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time for Everything") speaks of "a time for everything" (Hebrew: _'êth l'khol_) referring to the general, cyclical rhythms and experiences of life within the earthly realm, "a time there" (Hebrew: _'êth sham_) in [Ecclesiastes 3:17](/ecclesiastes/3-17 "Ecclesiastes 3:17 - God Will Judge") points to a specific, divinely appointed future moment and place. The addition of "there" (_sham_) shifts the focus from the present, often chaotic human experience to an eschatological reality—a designated time beyond the immediate "under the sun" observations—when God's ultimate justice will be fully and perfectly executed for every purpose and work. It signifies a final reckoning that brings ultimate order and meaning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 3:17, with its declaration of God's ultimate judgment over the righteous and the wicked, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament anticipates a future divine reckoning, the New Testament reveals that this judgment is intrinsically linked to Christ. Jesus Himself is presented as the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead [Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed Judge"). He is the embodiment of divine righteousness, and His sacrifice on the cross addresses the very wickedness that necessitates judgment, offering a path to righteousness through faith [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). The "time there" for every purpose and work culminates in the final judgment, where Christ will separate humanity, with the righteous inheriting eternal life and the wicked facing condemnation [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Sheep and the Goats"). Thus, the Preacher's conviction in a future divine judgment is not merely a vague hope but a concrete reality realized in Christ, who perfectly embodies both God's justice and His mercy, offering salvation to those who believe and ultimate accountability for all.

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

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.