Ecclesiastes 3:6

KJV

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

KJV (with Strong's)

A time {H6256} to get {H1245}, and a time {H6256} to lose {H6}; a time {H6256} to keep {H8104}, and a time {H6256} to cast away {H7993};

Complete Jewish Bible

a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to discard,

Berean Standard Bible

a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard,

American Standard Version

a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 3:6 is an intrinsic part of Qoheleth's profound meditation on the divinely ordained seasons of life, asserting that all human experiences, including the acquisition and loss of possessions, and the preservation and relinquishment of circumstances, fall under a sovereign, pre-determined timing. This verse, nestled within a poetic catalogue of antithetical pairs, highlights the cyclical nature of existence "under the sun," emphasizing that wisdom lies not in controlling these cycles, but in discerning and embracing the appropriate action for each appointed time, acknowledging a cosmic order beyond human manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 3:6 is a foundational element within the celebrated "time for everything" poem found in [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - The Poem of Times and Seasons"). This poetic section serves as the literary and philosophical core of the book's initial argument, presenting a series of fourteen antithetical pairs that illustrate the comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty over all aspects of human life. Each pair, like "a time to be born and a time to die" or "a time to weep and a time to laugh," underscores the Preacher's central theme: that every event, from the most mundane to the most profound, has its appointed season and purpose within God's grand design. Verse 6 specifically extends this concept to material and relational stewardship, demonstrating that even our relationship with possessions and circumstances is subject to this divine rhythm, reinforcing the idea that human effort alone cannot dictate outcomes, a recurring motif throughout [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "The Book of Ecclesiastes - Vanity of Vanities").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon (Qoheleth, "the Preacher" or "Assembler"), reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, engaging with profound existential questions from a perspective "under the sun"—that is, from a human vantage point apart from direct divine revelation. Written likely during a period of relative peace and prosperity, the text grapples with the apparent futility of human endeavors, the unpredictability of life, and the inevitability of death. In a society where wealth and progeny were often seen as signs of divine favor (as seen in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")), Qoheleth challenges conventional wisdom by asserting that even these blessings are transient and subject to divine timing. The cultural context valued both accumulation (for security and status) and generosity (as a religious and social duty), making the tension between "getting" and "losing," "keeping" and "casting away" particularly relevant to the daily lives and spiritual reflections of the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 3:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Predetermination**, asserting that even the seemingly random or chaotic aspects of life, such as gain and loss, are part of a larger, divinely ordered sequence (as implied in [Ecclesiastes 3:11](/ecclesiastes/3-11 "Ecclesiastes 3:11 - God Makes Everything Beautiful in Its Time")). Secondly, it highlights the **Cycles of Life and the Impermanence of Earthly Things**. The antithetical pairs consistently emphasize the transient nature of all human experiences and possessions, urging a detachment from clinging to what is fleeting. This echoes the Preacher's repeated declaration of "vanity" or "hebel" (meaning breath, vapor, or futility) which pervades the book, especially in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Wisdom in Discerning Timing and Stewardship**. While human control is limited, true wisdom lies in recognizing the appropriate season for action—whether to acquire, to release, to preserve, or to discard. This discernment is not about manipulating time, but about aligning one's actions with the divinely appointed flow, fostering a posture of contentment and trust amidst life's uncertainties, a wisdom that is ultimately found in fearing God and keeping His commandments, as concluded in [Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Matter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **time (Hebrew, _ʻêth'_):** This word, appearing four times in the verse, signifies an appointed or fixed period, a suitable or proper season, rather than merely chronological duration. It implies a divinely appointed moment or opportunity, underscoring the Preacher's point that events are not random but occur within a pre-ordained framework. It is the specific "season" for a particular action, highlighting the appropriateness of the action within that moment.
* **get (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** While often translated as "get" in this context, the root meaning of _bâqash_ is "to search out," "to seek," or "to strive after." This suggests not merely passive acquisition but an active pursuit or effort to obtain something. It implies a deliberate seeking or procuring, whether of possessions, knowledge, or experiences, emphasizing human agency within the divinely appointed time.
* **lose (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** This term carries a strong sense of perishing, being destroyed, or wandering away to the point of being lost. It implies a complete disappearance or ruin, often beyond recovery. In contrast to "get," which implies active pursuit, "lose" suggests an unavoidable outcome, a state of being deprived or having something vanish, reinforcing the theme of life's inherent impermanence and the limits of human control.
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** Meaning "to guard," "to preserve," or "to observe," _shâmar_ denotes careful retention, protection, and diligent oversight. It speaks to the act of holding onto something valuable, whether material possessions, relationships, or principles, with intentionality and care. This implies a period where preservation is the appropriate response to the season.
* **cast away (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** This verb means "to throw out, down, or away," often with a sense of rejection or disposal. It implies an intentional act of letting go, discarding, or abandoning something. In context, it suggests that there are times when wisdom dictates the relinquishment of possessions, burdens, or even past attachments, recognizing that clinging to them would be detrimental or inappropriate for the current season.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A time to get, and a time to lose;":** This clause introduces the first pair of antithetical actions related to acquisition and deprivation. "A time to get" refers to periods of gain, prosperity, and successful acquisition, whether of wealth, status, or even knowledge. It acknowledges the human drive to accumulate and the seasons when such efforts bear fruit. Conversely, "a time to lose" speaks to the inevitable periods of loss, decline, and deprivation, where possessions vanish, opportunities are missed, or circumstances turn unfavorable. This highlights the inherent instability of earthly fortunes and the limits of human control over outcomes.
* **"a time to keep, and a time to cast away;":** This second clause extends the theme to the active management and disposition of what one possesses or encounters. "A time to keep" implies a season for preservation, for holding onto what is valuable, for guarding resources, relationships, or principles. It suggests careful stewardship and discernment in retaining what is beneficial. In contrast, "a time to cast away" signifies a season for intentional relinquishment, for discarding what is no longer useful, beneficial, or even spiritually healthy. This could refer to material possessions, harmful habits, or even outdated perspectives, emphasizing the wisdom of letting go when appropriate.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 3:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the pairing of opposing concepts: "get" vs. "lose," and "keep" vs. "cast away." This creates a stark contrast that highlights the paradoxical and often contradictory nature of human experience, emphasizing the cyclical ebb and flow of life. Closely related is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the second half of each phrase (e.g., "a time to lose") directly contrasts the first ("a time to get"), reinforcing the idea that for every action or state, its opposite also has an appointed time. The repetition of "a time to" throughout the poem, including this verse, establishes a powerful **Anaphora**, creating a rhythmic and meditative cadence that underscores the pervasive and inescapable nature of divine timing. Furthermore, the actions described serve as **Metonymy** for broader life circumstances, where "getting" and "losing" represent not just material wealth but also opportunities, relationships, and even personal health, symbolizing the comprehensive reach of God's sovereign hand over all aspects of existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 3:6, with its stark contrasts of gain and loss, preservation and relinquishment, profoundly shapes our understanding of divine sovereignty and human stewardship. It challenges the human tendency to control outcomes, asserting that God alone orchestrates the seasons of life, including those of abundance and scarcity. This perspective encourages a posture of humility and trust, recognizing that true wisdom lies not in accumulating endlessly or clinging desperately, but in discerning God's timing for every action. It calls believers to a radical detachment from earthly possessions and circumstances, fostering a spirit of contentment and generosity, knowing that all things are temporary and ultimately belong to God. This theological framework transforms our view of stewardship from mere management of resources to a dynamic dance with divine providence, where letting go can be as much an act of faith as holding on.

* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - The Lord Gives and Takes Away")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in All Circumstances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 3:6 offers a liberating perspective on the unpredictable rhythms of life, inviting us to embrace change rather than resist it. In a world that often pressures us to constantly acquire and never let go, this verse reminds us that there is a divine wisdom in both accumulation and release. It challenges us to cultivate a spiritual detachment from material possessions and even from certain circumstances, recognizing that our ultimate security and identity are not found in what we own or control, but in our relationship with the sovereign God. This means learning to discern when to work diligently for gain, when to accept loss with grace, when to preserve what is valuable, and when to courageously cast away what no longer serves God's purpose or our spiritual well-being. It fosters a trust that even in moments of loss or necessary relinquishment, God's overarching plan for our lives is unfolding, guiding us towards true contentment and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to accept "a time to lose" or "a time to cast away"?**
* **How does the concept of divine timing for gain and loss influence your approach to financial stewardship or personal ambition?**
* **What might God be calling you to "cast away" in this season of your life—whether it's a possession, a habit, a relationship, or a mindset?**
* **How can embracing the cyclical nature of life, as described in Ecclesiastes 3, deepen your trust in God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Does "a time to get" imply that we should always strive for more wealth?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While "a time to get" acknowledges the natural human inclination and the divinely appointed seasons for acquisition (whether of wealth, knowledge, or experience), the broader context of Ecclesiastes cautions against the futility of chasing material possessions as an ultimate source of meaning or security. The Preacher often concludes that such pursuits "are vanity and a chasing after wind" ([Ecclesiastes 1:14](/ecclesiastes/1-14 "Ecclesiastes 1:14 - All is Vanity")). Instead, it suggests that when opportunities for gain arise, they are part of God's timing, but they should be received with wisdom and detachment, recognizing their temporary nature and our role as stewards, not ultimate owners.

**What does it mean to "cast away" in a practical sense?**

Answer: To "cast away" refers to the intentional act of letting go, discarding, or relinquishing something. Practically, this can apply to material possessions that are no longer needed or that have become an idol. It can also extend to non-material things: releasing grudges, letting go of past hurts, abandoning unproductive habits or toxic relationships, or even shedding outdated beliefs that hinder spiritual growth. It's about discerning what is no longer beneficial or aligned with God's will for a particular season, and having the wisdom and courage to release it, trusting in God's provision and guidance for the future. This aligns with the biblical call to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely" ([Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Lay Aside Every Weight")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ecclesiastes 3:6 speaks of the universal rhythms of gain and loss "under the sun," its ultimate fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the wisdom of divine timing. Jesus himself experienced "a time to get" as he gathered disciples, healed the sick, and taught profound truths, building the foundation of God's kingdom on earth ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")). Yet, he also embraced "a time to lose," willingly laying aside his divine prerogatives ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")) and ultimately losing his life on the cross, a profound act of self-emptying that brought about salvation ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His life was a perfect example of "a time to keep" the Father's commandments with unwavering obedience ([John 15:10](/john/15-10 "John 15:10 - Keeping Jesus' Commandments")) and "a time to cast away" the temptations of worldly power and glory ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8-10 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Jesus Rejects Temptation")). Through Christ's death and resurrection, the ultimate "loss" became the ultimate "gain" for humanity, transforming the cycle of earthly vanity into an eternal hope. He is the one who perfectly understands and submits to the Father's timing, inviting us to find our true security and purpose not in what we gain or lose, but in His eternal kingdom ([Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")).

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

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Luke 9:24

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Luke 9:25

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

Mark 8:35

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

Mark 8:37

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Hebrews 10:34

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.