3:4 3:4

Ecclesiastes 3:5

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Bible Versions

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

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;"

Context

This verse is an integral part of the famous poetic passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which begins with the declaration, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Authored by Qoheleth (traditionally King Solomon), the book of Ecclesiastes explores the meaning and purpose of life "under the sun," often highlighting its paradoxes, enigmas, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all human endeavors. Verse 5 specifically illustrates this divine ordering by presenting two more pairs of opposing actions, emphasizing that even seemingly contradictory activities have their appointed time.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ordering of Life: The verse powerfully reinforces the overarching theme of Ecclesiastes 3, asserting that God has ordained all events and activities, including those of destruction and creation, intimacy and distance. It speaks to a divinely designed rhythm in human existence.
  • Cycles of Action and Inaction: It highlights the dynamic and often paradoxical nature of life, where periods of active engagement (casting away or gathering stones, embracing) are balanced by times of restraint or withdrawal (refraining from embracing). Wisdom lies in discerning the appropriate season for each.
  • Relationships and Boundaries: The phrase "a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing" directly addresses the complexities of human relationships, underscoring the need for discernment in physical and emotional closeness. It suggests that healthy boundaries and seasons of distance are as vital as intimacy for well-being.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Cast away stones" and "gather stones together": This imagery is rich with possible meanings. It could refer to clearing land for agriculture (removing stones) or building (gathering stones for walls, altars, or monuments). It might also allude to the practice of stoning (casting stones) or collecting them for burial markers. The duality points to phases of dismantling and constructing, destruction and creation, all part of life's cycle.
  • "Embrace" (חָבַק - chabaq): This Hebrew word signifies a close physical and emotional embrace, implying intimacy, affection, and acceptance within relationships.
  • "Refrain from embracing" (רָחַק מֵחַבֵּק - rachaq me-chabaq): Literally meaning "to be far from embracing" or "to keep distance from embracing," this phrase speaks to moments when closeness is inappropriate or unnecessary, whether due to grief, separation, the need for personal space, or the wisdom of discernment.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 3:5 offers profound insights for navigating life's complexities:

  • Discernment in Action: The verse challenges believers to seek God's wisdom to discern the appropriate response to life's ever-changing circumstances. Not all actions are suitable for all seasons; wisdom guides us in knowing when to build or dismantle, when to engage or withdraw.
  • Navigating Relationships: It provides crucial guidance for human interactions, reminding us that there are times for close fellowship, intimacy, and open affection, and times when boundaries, space, or even temporary distance are necessary for health, healing, or respect within relationships.
  • Accepting Life's Seasons: It encourages acceptance of life's inevitable ebb and flow. Understanding that both construction and deconstruction, closeness and distance, are part of the divinely orchestrated journey can bring peace and resilience in the face of change.
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.

  • 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.
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