Ecclesiastes 3:7

KJV

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

KJV (with Strong's)

A time {H6256} to rend {H7167}, and a time {H6256} to sew {H8609}; a time {H6256} to keep silence {H2814}, and a time {H6256} to speak {H1696};

Complete Jewish Bible

a time to tear and a time to sew, a time to keep silent and a time to speak,

Berean Standard Bible

a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

American Standard Version

a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 3:7, nestled within the iconic "a time for everything" poem, profoundly illustrates the divinely ordered paradoxes of human existence, highlighting the necessity of discerning the appropriate moment for contrasting actions. This verse specifically juxtaposes the acts of "rending" (tearing) and "sewing" (mending), and "keeping silence" and "speaking," thereby emphasizing that wisdom lies in recognizing and aligning with the sovereign timing appointed for every season of life, from profound grief to restoration, and from quiet contemplation to vocal expression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 3:7 is an integral part of a larger poetic unit (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) that presents fourteen pairs of contrasting human experiences and actions. This entire section serves as a profound meditation by Qoheleth (the Preacher) on the cyclical and often paradoxical nature of life "under the sun." Following an introductory statement that "there is a time for everything" (Ecclesiastes 3:1), Qoheleth meticulously lists these antithetical pairs, demonstrating that all aspects of human experience—from birth and death, planting and uprooting, killing and healing, to weeping and laughing—are subject to a divinely ordained schedule. This particular verse, with its focus on tearing/sewing and silence/speech, fits seamlessly into this comprehensive catalog, reinforcing the idea that wisdom is not merely knowing *what* to do, but *when* to do it, acknowledging a sovereign hand orchestrating the rhythms of existence. The poem ultimately leads to Qoheleth's conclusion that humanity's role is to accept these divine appointments and find joy and contentment within them, rather than striving against the inevitable flow of time (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the actions described in Ecclesiastes 3:7 carried significant cultural weight and ritualistic meaning. Tearing one's garments (`qâraʻ`) was a deeply ingrained and highly visible expression of intense grief, mourning, distress, or indignation. This act was not merely symbolic but a public declaration of profound inner turmoil, seen in instances like [Jacob's grief over Joseph](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob Mourns Joseph") or [David's sorrow for Saul](/2_samuel/1-11 "2 Samuel 1:11 - David Mourns Saul"). Conversely, "sewing" (`tâphar`) or mending clothes signified the end of a mourning period, a return to normalcy, or a process of healing and restoration. The concepts of "silence" and "speech" were also crucial in a communal society. Silence could denote reverence, deep sorrow, strategic wisdom (as in [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "Proverbs 17:28 - A Fool's Silence")), or even a period of divine judgment or absence. Speech, on the other hand, was essential for teaching, admonishing, comforting, testifying, or expressing joy. The wisdom literature of Israel, including Ecclesiastes, often grappled with the appropriate use of words and the power of restraint.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ecclesiastes and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**. The repeated phrase "a time to..." (Hebrew: `ʻêth`) points to a divinely appointed order governing all human activities and experiences. Life's seasons are not random but part of God's intricate design, challenging humanity to trust His overarching plan even when circumstances are paradoxical or difficult. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Paradoxical Nature of Human Experience**. Life is a tapestry woven with contrasting threads—joy and sorrow, construction and destruction, silence and speech. Qoheleth's wisdom acknowledges this inherent tension, encouraging a realistic acceptance of life's complexities rather than a pursuit of constant, unvaried happiness. Finally, the verse emphasizes the theme of **Discernment and Wisdom**. The ultimate challenge for humanity is to cultivate the wisdom to discern the appropriate "time" for each action. This spiritual discernment, rooted in humility and a recognition of God's control, allows individuals to navigate life's seasons effectively, knowing when to mourn and when to heal, when to listen and when to speak, thus living in harmony with the divine rhythms of existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rend (Hebrew, _qâraʻ'_):** From H7167, a primitive root meaning "to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them); cut out, [idiom] surely, tear." In this context, `qâraʻ` specifically refers to the act of tearing garments, a potent and culturally significant expression of profound grief, distress, or indignation in ancient Israel. It signifies a breaking, an outward manifestation of an inner state of agony or despair, marking a moment of intense emotional upheaval.
* **sew (Hebrew, _tâphar'_):** From H8609, a primitive root meaning "to sew; (women that) sew (together)." `Tâphar` stands in direct antithesis to `qâraʻ`. It denotes the act of mending or repairing, symbolizing the cessation of mourning, the restoration of order, healing, or a return to normalcy after a period of distress. It represents the process of putting things back together, both literally and figuratively.
* **keep silence (Hebrew, _châshâh'_):** From H2814, a primitive root meaning "to hush or keep quiet; hold peace, keep silence, be silent, (be) still." `Châshâh` implies a deliberate act of refraining from speech. This silence can be born of reverence, shock, strategic wisdom, deep sorrow where words are inadequate, or even a recognition of one's limitations in the face of overwhelming circumstances. It is an active choice not to speak.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, a primitive root meaning "perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue; answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work." `Dâbar` is a broad term for uttering words, communicating, or declaring. In contrast to silence, it emphasizes moments when vocal expression is essential, whether for instruction, comfort, admonition, testimony, or simply engaging in meaningful dialogue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A time to rend, and a time to sew":** This clause presents a powerful cultural and emotional contrast. "Rending" refers to the tearing of garments, a deeply ingrained ancient Near Eastern custom signifying profound grief, sorrow, or distress (e.g., [Genesis 37:34](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob's Grief")). It marks a period of outward expression of inner pain and disruption. "Sewing," conversely, represents the mending of garments, symbolizing the cessation of mourning, the process of healing, restoration, and a return to normalcy or order. This pair illustrates that life includes seasons of intense sorrow and disruption, which must be experienced, but also seasons of recovery and renewal, where healing and rebuilding are appropriate.
* **"a time to keep silence, and a time to speak":** This second clause highlights the critical importance of discernment in communication. "Keeping silence" (Hebrew: `châshâh`) implies a deliberate withholding of words, which can be an act of wisdom, reverence, deep listening, or a response to overwhelming circumstances where words are inadequate or unhelpful (e.g., [Job 2:13](/job/2-13 "Job 2:13 - Job's Friends Sit in Silence")). It acknowledges that not every thought needs to be voiced, and there are moments when quiet reflection or respectful restraint is paramount. "Speaking" (Hebrew: `dâbar`), on the other hand, refers to the act of vocalizing, communicating, or declaring. This signifies moments when words are necessary for teaching, comforting, admonishing, testifying to truth, or simply engaging in meaningful interaction. The wisdom lies in discerning which action is appropriate for the given "time."

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 3:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, or **Juxtaposition**, where two opposing ideas or actions are placed side-by-side ("rend" vs. "sew"; "silence" vs. "speak"). This creates a striking contrast that highlights the paradoxical nature of life and the necessity of discerning the appropriate response for each situation. Each pair represents a full spectrum of human experience, from profound sorrow to restoration, and from quiet contemplation to active communication. This antithetical structure is further reinforced by **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse presents a similar contrasting structure to the first, reinforcing the overarching theme of divinely appointed timing for all things. The repeated phrase "a time to..." functions as a form of **Anaphora** throughout the larger poem (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8), emphasizing the pervasive and inescapable nature of these divinely ordained cycles. These devices collectively underscore Qoheleth's central message: life is a complex tapestry of contrasting experiences, all under the sovereign hand of God, requiring wisdom to navigate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 3:7 profoundly articulates a foundational theological truth: God's sovereignty extends over all of life's seasons, including its most challenging and paradoxical moments. It challenges a simplistic view of life, affirming that even sorrow, silence, and disruption have their divinely appointed place, just as joy, speech, and restoration do. The verse calls believers to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that true wisdom is not about avoiding difficult seasons, but about discerning God's timing and purpose within them. This involves a humble acceptance of the ebb and flow of life, trusting that God is at work in every "time," even when His purposes are not immediately clear. It underscores that there is a season for every human emotion and action, and living wisely means aligning our responses with God's ordained rhythms rather than resisting them.

* [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "Proverbs 17:28 - Wisdom in Silence")
* [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Rend Your Hearts, Not Your Garments")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 3:7 serves as a powerful reminder that our lives are not meant to be a monotonous pursuit of a single state, but a dynamic journey through diverse, divinely appointed seasons. It encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, recognizing that there is a sacred purpose even in moments of grief, silence, or apparent brokenness. For the believer, this means cultivating a posture of discernment, seeking God's wisdom to understand the "time" for every action. It challenges us to resist the urge to rush through necessary seasons of mourning or quiet reflection, just as it compels us to speak up and act when the moment demands it. This wisdom is not passive resignation but active participation in God's unfolding plan, trusting that He orchestrates all things for His glory and our good. Learning when to hold our peace and when to articulate truth, when to allow for sorrow and when to pursue healing, is a mark of spiritual maturity and a pathway to living a life aligned with divine wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently resisting a "time" that God may have ordained (e.g., a season of waiting, grieving, or silence)?**
* **How can you cultivate greater discernment to know when it is truly "a time to speak" versus "a time to keep silence" in your relationships or ministry?**
* **Reflecting on the "rending" and "sewing," how have you experienced God's process of healing and restoration after a period of significant loss or brokenness?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to align your actions more closely with the divinely appointed "times" in your life?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 3:7 promote fatalism, suggesting we have no choice in our actions?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 3:7 does not promote fatalism. While the repeated phrase "a time to..." emphasizes a divinely ordained order and rhythm to life, it does not negate human responsibility or choice. Instead, it highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in recognizing and aligning with God's timing. The Preacher's message is not that we are puppets of fate, but that there are appropriate seasons for various actions, and wisdom lies in discerning *when* to act or refrain from acting. For instance, while there is a "time to speak," it is our choice to speak wisely or foolishly, truthfully or deceitfully. The verse calls us to spiritual maturity, understanding that our actions are most effective and righteous when they are in harmony with the broader, sovereign plan of God. It encourages us to seek God's wisdom to navigate life's complexities, rather than fighting against its natural and divine rhythms.

**How can I know when it's "a time to keep silence" versus "a time to speak"?**

Answer: Discerning the appropriate time for silence or speech requires spiritual wisdom, humility, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. "A time to keep silence" might be when words would be unhelpful, when listening is paramount (as in [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak")), when one needs to process deep emotion, or when reverence for God's presence is called for (as in [Habakkuk 2:20](/habakkuk/2-20 "Habakkuk 2:20 - The Lord Is in His Holy Temple")). Conversely, "a time to speak" arises when truth needs to be declared (as Peter and John asserted in [Acts 4:20](/acts/4-20 "Acts 4:20 - We Cannot But Speak")), comfort needs to be offered, injustice needs to be challenged, or wisdom needs to be imparted (as in [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word Fitly Spoken")). This discernment often comes through prayer, reflection on God's Word, seeking counsel from mature believers, and paying attention to the specific context and needs of the situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 3:7, with its emphasis on divine timing and the appropriate season for every action, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect discernment, always knowing "a time to rend" and "a time to sew," "a time to keep silence" and "a time to speak." Jesus demonstrated the "time to rend" through His profound grief at the tomb of Lazarus, weeping with those who wept ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept")). Yet, He also brought the "time to sew" through His miraculous healing and restoration, mending broken bodies and lives, ultimately bringing reconciliation through His atoning work ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")). Similarly, Jesus perfectly exemplified "a time to keep silence" before His accusers, offering no defense during His trial, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating profound humility and submission to God's will ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Silent Before His Shearers"); [Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")). Yet, He also powerfully demonstrated "a time to speak," proclaiming the Kingdom of God with authority ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Proclaims the Kingdom")), teaching profound truths ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount")), and challenging hypocrisy ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). In Christ, we see the perfect wisdom of God made manifest, showing us how to navigate every season of life with divine purpose and perfect timing, ultimately culminating in His sacrificial death—the ultimate "rending" of His body—which brings about our "sewing" into new life and eternal reconciliation with God ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - By One Offering")).

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

Amos 5:13

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it [is] an evil time.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Esther 4:13

Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?

Proverbs 24:11

¶ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;

Proverbs 24:12

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?

Lamentations 3:28

He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne [it] upon him.