Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Original Language Analysis
לַכֹּ֖ל
H3605
לַכֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְעֵ֥ת
and a time
H6256
וְעֵ֥ת
and a time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
3 of 7
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֵ֖פֶץ
to every purpose
H2656
חֵ֖פֶץ
to every purpose
Strong's:
H2656
Word #:
5 of 7
pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 3:17I 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 16:3And 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 7:14In 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 5:26And 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 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!Ecclesiastes 2:3I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.Ecclesiastes 2:17Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.Ecclesiastes 1:13And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.2 Chronicles 33:12And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
Historical Context
This passage likely dates to Solomon's later years (circa 935 BC) when reflection on life's rhythms would carry particular weight. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature often categorized human experiences, but Ecclesiastes uniquely subordinates all temporal activities to divine sovereignty. The phrase 'under the heaven' (distinct from 'under the sun' used elsewhere in Ecclesiastes) suggests God's perspective encompassing all earthly existence. This poem became deeply embedded in Jewish wisdom tradition and was later set to music ('Turn! Turn! Turn!'), demonstrating its enduring recognition of life's universal patterns under God's governance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty over life's seasons help you navigate unexpected changes or transitions?
- In what ways do you struggle to accept that certain experiences have their appointed time rather than being under your complete control?
Analysis & Commentary
This opening verse of the famous 'A Time for Everything' poem establishes God's sovereign ordering of human experience. The Hebrew word 'zeman' (season/appointed time) emphasizes divinely ordained timing, while 'chephets' (purpose) indicates intentional design. The Preacher affirms that all human activities fall under providential governance—nothing happens randomly 'under the heaven.' This verse introduces a profound theological balance: human life involves inevitable change and diverse experiences, yet these occur within God's purposeful framework, not chaotic chance.