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Ecclesiastes 3:1

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¶ To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

To every thing there is a season {H2165}, and a time {H6256} to every purpose {H2656} under the heaven {H8064}:

For everything there is a season, a right time for every intention under heaven

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV: "To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

Context of Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, often referred to as "the Preacher" or "Koheleth," is a profound book grappling with the meaning of life "under the sun"—that is, from a purely human perspective, apart from divine revelation. The book frequently explores the concept of hebel, often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless," highlighting the futility of human striving and earthly pursuits. Chapter 3 begins a famous poetic passage that contrasts human efforts with the overarching, divinely ordained cycles and timing of life. This opening verse sets the stage for the understanding that all events, both joyful and sorrowful, occur within a predetermined framework of God's perfect timing and purpose, rather than by mere chance or human control.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse immediately asserts that there is a set "season" and "time" for everything. This points to God's ultimate control and sovereignty over all human affairs and natural processes. Nothing happens outside of His knowledge or allowance.
  • Cycles of Life: Life is not static or linear but composed of various phases and experiences. The subsequent verses (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8) elaborate on this, listing pairs of contrasting activities and emotions, demonstrating the ebb and flow of existence.
  • Purpose in All Things: Beyond mere timing, the verse states "a time to every purpose." This suggests that every event, every season—whether joyous or difficult—serves a specific, divine intention. Even seemingly random occurrences fit into a larger, purposeful design.
  • Acceptance and Wisdom: A key message for the reader is the call to wisdom, which involves recognizing and accepting these divinely appointed times. Instead of resisting the natural cycles of life, wisdom lies in discerning the appropriate response to each season.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "season" here is primarily 'eth (עֵת), which denotes an appointed time, a specific moment or occasion, rather than just a general period. It carries the nuance of an opportune or fixed time. The word for "purpose" is chephets (חֵפֶץ), which can mean desire, delight, or a matter/affair. In this context, it refers to the particular undertaking or matter that has its appointed time. The phrase "under the heaven" is synonymous with "under the sun," a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:3), emphasizing the earthly, temporal realm where these seasons unfold.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 3:1 offers profound comfort and guidance for navigating life's complexities. It encourages believers to:

  • Trust in God's Timing: Recognize that delay is not denial, and that there is a perfect time for every event. This fosters patience and reduces anxiety about the unknown future.
  • Embrace Each Season: Instead of wishing away difficult periods or clinging too tightly to pleasant ones, we are called to embrace the unique lessons and opportunities each season presents.
  • Seek Discernment: The wisdom sought by the Preacher includes the ability to discern the "times" and understand what is appropriate for each season of life, both personally and corporately.
  • Find Purpose in Adversity: Even in times of sorrow, loss, or hardship, this verse reminds us that there is a divine purpose at play, fostering hope and resilience.

This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the rhythm of life as orchestrated by God, inviting us to live with greater peace and purpose, knowing that He is in control of all things.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 3:17 (52 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 16:3 (41 votes)

    And in the morning, [It will be] foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O [ye] hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not [discern] the signs of the times?

  • Ecclesiastes 8:5 (38 votes)

    Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:6 (38 votes)

    ¶ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man [is] great upon him.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:14 (32 votes)

    In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

  • 2 Kings 5:26 (22 votes)

    And he said unto him, Went not mine heart [with thee], when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? [Is it] a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

  • Proverbs 15:23 (18 votes)

    ¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!