Ecclesiastes 3 7

Ecclesiastes 3:7 kjv

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

Ecclesiastes 3:7 nkjv

A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

Ecclesiastes 3:7 niv

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

Ecclesiastes 3:7 esv

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

Ecclesiastes 3:7 nlt

A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

Ecclesiastes 3 verses

Ecclesiastes 3 7 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 3:7 states that there is an appointed time for acts of destruction and restoration, as well as for withholding speech and for vocal expression. This verse is part of a broader poem enumerating contrasting human experiences, emphasizing that all activities under the sun are subject to divine timing and purpose. It underscores the Preacher’s (Qoheleth's) central theme that discerning and acting according to these appropriate seasons is a mark of wisdom, aligning with God's sovereign ordering of life's paradoxical cycles.

Ecclesiastes 3 7 Context

This verse is an integral part of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, a poetic enumeration of life's appointed times. The entire section emphasizes God's sovereign control over every human experience and activity, whether joyful or sorrowful, constructive or destructive. The Preacher asserts that even seemingly contradictory actions have their appropriate season under heaven, reflecting a divine order rather than random chance. Within the broader book of Ecclesiastes, this poem introduces a measure of stability and purpose into the otherwise "vanity" (hebel) of life "under the sun," directing the reader toward finding meaning in discerning and aligning with God's times, ultimately leading to the book's conclusion: to fear God and obey His commands. Historically, practices like tearing garments for mourning were culturally recognized signs of distress in the ancient Near East, making the pairing with "sewing" highly relatable as cycles of grief and recovery.

Ecclesiastes 3 7 Word analysis

• "a time" (עֵת - ‘ēt): This Hebrew word signifies not merely a chronological moment but a specific, appropriate, or appointed season, occasion, or fitting time. Its repeated use throughout Eccl 3:1-8 emphasizes divine predetermination and the idea that all events, positive or negative, serve a purpose within God's ordered plan for creation. It suggests a qualitative aspect of timing, indicating when an action is suitable or divinely sanctioned.

• "to tear" (לִקְרוֹעַ - liqrōaʿ): From the root qāraʿ, meaning to rip, rend, or tear. In ancient cultures, tearing garments was a vivid public expression of profound grief, horror, despair, or even repentance (e.g., Gen 37:34; Job 1:20). It signifies an act of destruction, separation, or exposure, whether literal or symbolic. It suggests a time of breaking down or rupture, often associated with loss or severe emotional pain.

• "and a time to sew" (וְעֵת לִתְפּוֹר - vəʿēt litpōr): From the root tāpar, meaning to stitch or sew. This is the direct antithesis of tearing. It symbolizes repair, restoration, mending, recovery, or making whole. After a period of destruction or sorrow, there comes a time for rebuilding, healing, and preparation for newness. This reflects the cyclical nature of life, where breakdown is often followed by repair and renewal.

• "a time to keep silence" (עֵת לַחֲשׁוֹת - ʿēt laḥăšōṯ): From the root ḥāšāh, meaning to be silent, keep quiet, or hold one's peace. This signifies strategic restraint of speech, which can be a mark of wisdom (Prov 17:28), humility, respect, profound sorrow, or cautious discernment. It implies situations where speaking would be inappropriate, harmful, or less effective than silence. It contrasts with a cultural tendency to speak without thought, advocating for intentional quietness.

• "and a time to speak" (וְעֵת לְדַבֵּר - vəʿēt lədabbēr): From the root dāvar, meaning to speak, declare, or converse. This indicates an appropriate moment for verbal expression—whether to offer comfort, share truth, proclaim a message, provide counsel, or defend justice. It emphasizes the importance of discerning the right moment and content for words, ensuring they are timely, edifying, and serve a positive purpose.

Words-group analysis:

• "a time to tear, and a time to sew": This pairing illustrates the profound paradoxes of life, encompassing both periods of unavoidable destruction, deep sorrow, or stripping away, and subsequent times for restoration, mending, and rebuilding. It signifies that even in experiences of loss and devastation, there is an appointed season for healing and reconstitution. This dynamic is a fundamental aspect of human existence, encompassing personal grief, social upheaval, and even divine judgments that clear the way for new beginnings.

• "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak": This contrasts active verbal restraint with necessary articulation, highlighting the critical role of wise discretion in communication. It challenges rash speech and irresponsible silence. Wisdom dictates that one must discern when words are prudent and effective (for truth, comfort, or action) and when silence is respectful, humble, or protective (against folly or danger). This duality underscores that neither speech nor silence is inherently good or bad; their value lies in their appropriate application according to the context and divine timing.

Ecclesiastes 3 7 Bonus section

The profound insight of Ecclesiastes 3:7, and indeed the whole poem (3:1-8), lies in its counter-cultural assertion against purely deterministic or chaotic views of existence. While many ancient philosophies might observe cycles, Qoheleth attributes them to a divinely ordained "time for every matter under heaven." This elevates human experience from random events to part of God's overarching plan, offering a framework for meaning even in life's most challenging phases. The wisdom is not found in controlling the times, but in perceiving them and responding in alignment with God's will. This nuanced understanding encourages patience in adversity, discernment in prosperity, and intentionality in every action and word. It reinforces that divine sovereignty provides the true context for all human endeavors, reminding believers to pray for wisdom to know the appropriate time for every response.

Ecclesiastes 3 7 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 3:7 continues the Preacher's meditation on the purposeful nature of all human experience within God's ordered world. "A time to tear, and a time to sew" speaks to the deep cycles of lament and recovery, loss and restoration inherent in life. Tearing of garments was a profound cultural gesture, symbolizing utter despair or outrage; its counterpart, sewing, suggests the patient, deliberate act of mending—both literal garments and, metaphorically, broken lives or relationships. This points to the divinely ordained process where suffering can give way to healing, and destruction to reconstruction.

The latter pairing, "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak," underscores the profound wisdom of verbal discretion. In a world often valuing incessant noise, the Preacher champions discerning quietness, recognizing moments where words are superfluous, inappropriate, or even damaging. Yet, silence is not always the answer; there are equally vital moments when truth demands proclamation, comfort must be offered, or the gospel shared. The wisdom here is not in choosing one over the other based on preference, but in discerning God's appointed season for each action. It calls for spiritual maturity to understand when restraint is more powerful than rhetoric and when articulation is indispensable. This verse reminds us that navigating life wisely involves a constant submission to the ebb and flow of God's perfect timing for every human response.