Ecclesiastes 3:5

KJV

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

KJV (with Strong's)

A time {H6256} to cast away {H7993} stones {H68}, and a time {H6256} to gather {H3664} stones {H68} together {H3664}; a time {H6256} to embrace {H2263}, and a time {H6256} to refrain {H7368} from embracing {H2263};

Complete Jewish Bible

a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

Berean Standard Bible

a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

American Standard Version

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 3:5, part of Qoheleth's profound meditation on the divinely ordered nature of time, presents two more antithetical pairs of human actions—casting away and gathering stones, embracing and refraining from embracing. This verse underscores the pervasive truth that every human endeavor, even those seemingly contradictory, has its appointed season and purpose within God's sovereign plan. It calls for wisdom and discernment to navigate life's paradoxes, recognizing that both active engagement and periods of restraint are necessary components of a well-lived existence under heaven.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 3:5 is an integral part of the renowned poetic declaration in [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - A Time for Everything"), which asserts that "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." This verse continues the literary pattern established by Qoheleth, presenting two more pairs of contrasting human activities—casting away and gathering stones, embracing and refraining from embracing—to further illustrate the divinely ordained rhythm and paradoxes of human existence. It functions as a specific example within the broader philosophical exploration of life's meaning and purpose "under the sun" that characterizes the entire book of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing that even seemingly contradictory actions have their appropriate moment within God's sovereign design.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, stones held significant practical and symbolic importance. "Casting away stones" could refer to clearing fields for agriculture, a necessary act of preparation before planting, or even the practice of stoning as a form of capital punishment or an act of warfare, as seen in [2 Kings 3:25](/2_kings/3-25 "2 Kings 3:25 - Moabite Cities Destroyed by Stones"). Conversely, "gathering stones" was essential for construction, whether building houses, walls, altars, or monuments, as exemplified by Jacob's pillar in [Genesis 28:18](/genesis/28-18 "Genesis 28:18 - Jacob's Pillar at Bethel"). The imagery thus evokes cycles of destruction and creation, dismantling and building. The "time to embrace" reflects the cultural value of close familial and communal bonds, expressed through physical affection, while "refraining from embracing" could signify periods of mourning, ritual purity, or strategic distance, all understood within the social fabric of the time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces the overarching theme of the book of Ecclesiastes regarding the [Divine Ordering of Life](/ecclesiastes/3 "Ecclesiastes 3 - The Divine Ordering of Life"), asserting that God has appointed a specific time for all events and human activities, including those of destruction and creation, intimacy and distance. It underscores the [Paradoxical Nature of Existence](/ecclesiastes/1-9 "Ecclesiastes 1:9 - Nothing New Under the Sun"), where seemingly contradictory actions are part of a divinely designed rhythm. Furthermore, the verse highlights the critical importance of [Wisdom and Discernment](/ecclesiastes/7-12 "Ecclesiastes 7:12 - Wisdom as a Defense") in navigating these seasons, as well as the dynamic interplay of [Relationships and Boundaries](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times"), emphasizing that healthy human connection requires knowing when to draw near and when to maintain appropriate distance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast away (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** From H7993, a primitive root meaning "to throw out, down or away." This verb implies an intentional act of discarding, removing, or even destroying, often with force or finality. In the context of stones, it suggests clearing land, dismantling structures, or even the act of stoning.
* **Gather (Hebrew, _kânaç'_):** From H3664, a primitive root meaning "to collect; hence, to enfold." This word denotes an intentional act of bringing together, accumulating, or assembling. For stones, it refers to collecting them for building, marking, or other constructive purposes.
* **Embrace (Hebrew, _châbaq'_):** From H2263, a primitive root meaning "to clasp (the hands or in embrace)." This term signifies a close physical and emotional act of holding someone or something tightly, conveying intimacy, affection, acceptance, or even a close bond of friendship or love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A time to cast away stones":** This phrase speaks to seasons of dismantling, clearing, or even destruction. In an agricultural context, it refers to removing stones from fields to prepare for planting, signifying a time for clearing obstacles and making way for new growth. It can also metaphorically represent a period for discarding burdens, breaking down old structures, or letting go of what is no longer needed or beneficial.
* **"and a time to gather stones together":** In direct contrast, this clause points to seasons of construction, building, and accumulation. Historically, stones were gathered for erecting buildings, walls, altars, or monuments, symbolizing acts of creation, establishment, and preservation. Metaphorically, it represents a time for collecting resources, building relationships, establishing foundations, or consolidating efforts towards a specific purpose.
* **"a time to embrace":** This refers to moments of intimacy, closeness, and affection in human relationships. The Hebrew word (_châbaq_) conveys a warm, physical clasping, indicating a season for expressing love, comfort, welcome, and deep connection. It signifies a time for drawing near to others, offering support, and fostering strong bonds.
* **"and a time to refrain from embracing":** This antithetical phrase, using the Hebrew _râchaq_ (to widen, recede, remove), denotes a season for maintaining distance, exercising restraint, or even withdrawing from intimacy. This could be due to various reasons: a need for personal space, a period of mourning where physical comfort might be overwhelming, a time for setting boundaries, or a recognition that closeness is inappropriate or unwise in a particular circumstance. It highlights the importance of discernment in relational dynamics.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 3:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where opposing actions ("cast away stones" vs. "gather stones," "embrace" vs. "refrain from embracing") are juxtaposed. This highlights the paradoxical nature of life and Qoheleth's central argument that all human activities, even contradictory ones, have their divinely appointed season. This antithetical structure is reinforced by **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism within each pair and antithetical parallelism between the pairs, creating a rhythmic and memorable poetic flow that emphasizes the balanced and cyclical nature of existence. Furthermore, the verse utilizes vivid **Imagery** of "stones" and "embracing." The imagery of stones is multifaceted, evoking both destructive (clearing, stoning) and constructive (building, marking) acts, while "embracing" and "refraining" vividly depict the dynamics of human relationships, making the abstract concept of "time" tangible and relatable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 3:5 profoundly illustrates the sovereignty of God over all human endeavors and the wisdom required to live in harmony with His divine design. It teaches that life is not a linear progression but a complex tapestry of cycles, where every action, whether seemingly positive or negative, has its appropriate time and purpose within God's overarching plan. This understanding challenges human attempts to control or force outcomes, instead calling for a humble submission to the divinely appointed rhythms of existence. The verse also speaks to the mature discernment needed in relationships, recognizing that true wisdom involves knowing when to draw near in intimacy and when to maintain healthy boundaries or respectful distance, reflecting a deep understanding of the needs of others and the specific season.
* [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word Fitly Spoken")
* [1 Corinthians 7:5](/1_corinthians/7-5 "1 Corinthians 7:5 - Marital Intimacy and Abstinence")
* [Romans 13:8](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8 - Love as the Fulfillment of the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 3:5 calls us to a profound level of spiritual discernment, urging us to recognize and align ourselves with the divinely appointed seasons of life rather than resisting them. In a world that often pressures us towards constant action or a singular mode of being, this verse offers liberation by affirming that there is a right time for every seemingly contradictory act. This applies to our personal growth, our professional endeavors, and especially our relationships. Wisdom, therefore, is not merely about knowing what to do, but *when* to do it, and equally, when to refrain. Embracing this truth fosters patience, resilience, and a deeper trust in God's sovereign orchestration, allowing us to navigate life's inevitable changes with grace and purpose. It encourages us to be present in each season, understanding that even moments of dismantling or distance serve a divine purpose, preparing us for new phases of building and intimacy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to discern the appropriate "time" for action or restraint?**
* **How can understanding God's sovereignty over these seasons bring peace or clarity to your current circumstances?**
* **Reflect on a past situation where you either embraced or refrained from embracing, and how that timing proved to be wise or unwise.**

### FAQ
**What is the practical meaning of "a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together"?**

Answer: This imagery is rich with practical meaning, reflecting the cycles of life and human endeavor. "Casting away stones" could refer to clearing land for agriculture, removing obstacles, or dismantling old structures that are no longer needed. It can also metaphorically represent a time for letting go of burdens, habits, or relationships that hinder growth. Conversely, "gathering stones together" points to seasons of building, constructing, and establishing. This might involve building physical structures, but also metaphorically refers to gathering resources, strengthening relationships, or laying foundations for new initiatives. Both actions are necessary and have their appropriate season within God's design, as seen in the broader context of [Ecclesiastes 3](/ecclesiastes/3 "Ecclesiastes 3 - The Seasons of Life").

**Does "a time to refrain from embracing" suggest that intimacy is not always good?**

Answer: This phrase does not diminish the value of intimacy, but rather emphasizes the importance of discernment and appropriate boundaries in relationships. While embracing signifies closeness, affection, and support, there are legitimate times when physical or emotional distance is necessary. This could be for reasons of respect, personal space, healing, or even due to cultural or social norms. For instance, in times of deep grief, overwhelming joy, or even certain spiritual disciplines, a temporary "refraining from embracing" allows for a different kind of processing or reverence. The wisdom of [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/7-12 "Ecclesiastes 7:12 - Wisdom as a Defense") lies in knowing the right timing for both intimacy and restraint, ensuring healthy and respectful relational dynamics.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ecclesiastes 3:5 speaks to the universal rhythms of human experience under divine sovereignty, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He perfectly embodied the wisdom of knowing the appropriate time for every action. There was "a time to cast away stones" as Jesus overturned the tables in the temple, cleansing it from corruption, demonstrating a holy zeal for God's house ([John 2:15-17](/john/2-15 "John 2:15-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). And there was "a time to gather stones together" as He declared Himself the cornerstone upon which His church would be built ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church's Foundation")), gathering His disciples and establishing the new covenant community. Similarly, Jesus knew "a time to embrace," as He welcomed children ([Mark 10:16](/mark/10-16 "Mark 10:16 - Jesus Blesses the Children")) and embraced outcasts, demonstrating boundless compassion and love. Yet, He also knew "a time to refrain from embracing," withdrawing to solitary places for prayer and communion with the Father ([Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")), setting boundaries even with His closest disciples to fulfill His mission. In Christ, we see the perfect embodiment of divine timing and wisdom, inviting us to live lives attuned to God's purposes, empowered by His Spirit to discern the seasons and act accordingly, ultimately reflecting His character in every "time" of our lives.

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 Kings 3:25

And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about [it], and smote it.

Joshua 10:27

And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, [that] Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, [which remain] until this very day.

Joshua 4:3

And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.

Joshua 4:9

And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.

Joel 2:16

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

2 Samuel 18:17

And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

2 Samuel 18:18

Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which [is] in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.