Ecclesiastes 3 5

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;

Ecclesiastes 3:5 nkjv

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

Ecclesiastes 3:5 niv

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

Ecclesiastes 3:5 esv

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 nlt

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

Ecclesiastes 3 verses

Ecclesiastes 3 5 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 3:5 presents two pairs of contrasting activities, both subject to God's appointed timing. The first pair, "a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones," speaks to actions of deconstruction and construction, destruction and building, clearing and accumulating. It encompasses both literal acts like land management or military tactics, and metaphorical applications of tearing down and building up aspects of life. The second pair, "a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing," refers to human intimacy and relationship. It highlights that even closeness and affection, or conversely, distance and separation, have their proper seasons, whether due to social norms, personal needs, or spiritual mandates. The verse underlines the Preacher's core message that all human experiences and actions occur within a divine timetable, challenging individuals to discern and accept God's sovereignty over every moment.

Ecclesiastes 3 5 Context

Ecclesiastes 3:5 is an integral part of the famous "a time for everything" poem found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. This section follows Qoheleth's previous observations on the vanity (hevel) of striving and his conclusion that joy in one's toil is a gift from God. The poem in verses 1-8 lists fourteen pairs of contrasting human experiences and activities, illustrating that every event under heaven has its appointed season set by God. This overarching theme serves to humble humanity, highlighting the futility of trying to control what is ultimately in God's hands. The immediate context of verse 5 thus emphasizes that even seemingly contradictory actions – scattering versus gathering, embracing versus refraining – are part of life's rhythm, orchestrated by divine wisdom. It reinforces the idea that life is not chaotic, but rather ordered according to a cosmic clock that humanity does not control, yet must learn to live within. The historical context reflects a wisdom tradition that grappled with the apparent randomness of life, offering a theological framework wherein even difficulties and withdrawals have a proper place and purpose.

Ecclesiastes 3 5 Word analysis

• a time (וְעֵת - ve'et): The recurring phrase "a time for" (Hebrew: וְעֵת - ve'et, lit. "and a time") underscores that all activities, no matter how disparate, are governed by an external, divine ordination. It signifies an appointed season, occasion, or appropriate moment rather than just chronological passage, emphasizing intentionality and divine design.

• to cast away (לְהַשְׁלִיךְ - lehashlikh): This infinitive means "to throw, cast, reject, forsake." In the context of stones, it suggests disposing of them, clearing a field, or even destroying.

• stones (אֲבָנִים - avanim): Plural of even (stone). In ancient Israel, stones were central to life: for building, agriculture (clearing fields, defining boundaries), weapons (sling stones), memorials, and capital punishment (stoning). The act of casting them away could imply land clearance for agriculture (Isa 5:2), preparing for construction, or even destructive acts in warfare (2 Kgs 3:25) or symbolic acts of desolation.

• and a time to gather (וְעֵת קְבוֹץ - ve'et qvotz): Qevotz means "to collect, assemble, gather." This stands in direct contrast to casting away, referring to purposeful accumulation.

• stones (אֲבָנִים - avanim): The same term, here indicating gathering for constructive purposes like building walls (Neh 4:6), monuments (Josh 4:5-9), or for use in agriculture. It suggests an act of construction, preparation, or memorialization.

• a time to embrace (וְעֵת לַחֲבוֹק - ve'et laḥavoq): Lachavoq means "to clasp, fold the hands, embrace." This signifies acts of closeness, affection, and intimacy between people, whether familial (Gen 29:13, Gen 33:4) or romantic (Song 2:6). It represents a season of connection and emotional closeness.

• and a time to refrain from embracing (וְעֵת לִרְחֹק מֵחַבֵּק - ve'et lirḥoq meḥabbeq): Lirḥoq means "to be distant, move far away." Combined with meḥabbeq (from embracing), this phrase speaks to intentional physical or emotional separation. This could be due to circumstances like mourning (where expressions of joy or intimacy are inappropriate), specific religious observances (e.g., temporary conjugal separation for prayer, 1 Cor 7:5), times of solitude, or a prudent withdrawal from certain situations or people for one's well-being or spiritual focus.

Ecclesiastes 3 5 Bonus section

The underlying message of Ecclesiastes 3:5, and indeed the entire "a time for everything" passage, is the limited capacity of humanity in contrast to God's absolute control. Qoheleth, through these specific examples, subtly critiques any worldview that assumes human action alone determines success or happiness. Instead, he elevates the wisdom of accepting God's sovereign timing, suggesting that finding contentment lies in discerning and responding appropriately to the given circumstances. This idea is foundational to later biblical teaching about walking in wisdom (Prov 3:5-6) and submitting to God's will. The Preacher’s repetitive use of "a time" aims to instill a profound sense of dependence on God’s ordained order rather than solely on human effort or ingenuity. This rhythm applies even to areas as deeply personal as emotional connection, reminding believers that even intimacy has a season under God’s ultimate design.

Ecclesiastes 3 5 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 3:5 poetically articulates two fundamental human experiences through a pair of antonyms, underscoring Qoheleth's central message about divine sovereignty over life's myriad facets. The "stones" antithesis points to the contrasting actions of destroying and building. This isn't just about physical acts but speaks to broader life endeavors: a time to tear down old structures or habits that no longer serve, and a time to establish new foundations, gather resources, and construct what is enduring. Spiritually, it can signify the necessary removal of spiritual debris and obstacles for the building up of one's character or community, like clearing land to sow good seed (Jer 4:3). The timing is crucial; building when one should be tearing down is futile, as is clearing when one should be building.

The second pair, "to embrace and to refrain from embracing," delves into the delicate balance of human relationships and intimacy. While an embrace signifies closeness, affection, and solidarity (Gen 29:13), there are appointed seasons for intentional distance or reservation. This could be a matter of prudence, self-control, respecting personal boundaries, or recognizing periods where intimate engagement is inappropriate, such as times of deep grief or specific spiritual devotion (1 Cor 7:5). It highlights that even in human connection, there is an ebb and flow ordained by God, teaching discernment about when to draw near and when to hold back. Both pairs compel the reader to acknowledge that true wisdom lies not in forcing an outcome but in discerning and yielding to God's appointed seasons for all activities, be they physical or relational, active or passive.