Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:2
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Understanding this theme in its biblical setting
The famous poem in Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 names fourteen pairs of human seasons—planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing—before declaring in verse 11 that God has made everything beautiful in its time and set eternity in the human heart. Rather than treating individual verses as isolated slogans, Scripture invites us to listen to how the Law, the Psalms, the Prophets, the Gospels, and the apostolic letters speak to one another across centuries of lived faith.
Key passages and their context
Ecclesiastes 3:1–14 — Context and meaning
From the biblical wisdom tradition, this passage reflects centuries of careful observation about character, speech, humility, and the fear of the Lord in ordinary decisions. You can read the surrounding chapter in Ecclesiastes 3 to hear how these verses unfold in their full literary flow.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 — Context and meaning
From the biblical wisdom tradition, this passage reflects centuries of careful observation about character, speech, humility, and the fear of the Lord in ordinary decisions. You can read the surrounding chapter in Ecclesiastes 12 to hear how these verses unfold in their full literary flow.
How to reflect on these passages in daily life
- Read slowly in context: Open the chapter surrounding at least one reference above so you hear the speaker's full argument or prayer before focusing on a single sentence.
- Notice what the text reveals about God: Before asking what you must do, observe how the passage describes God's patience, wisdom, mercy, or faithfulness.
- Carry one question into your day: Keep a single phrase or verse close—whether in a notebook, on your Lock Screen widget, or in evening prayer—and return to it when your attention is scattered.
Continue exploring on Versea
You can continue reading in our Bible verses by topic collection, explore related answers in Questions about the Bible, or study a full passage in Bible lessons.
Questions people ask
01Why should I read the full chapter around these verses on ecclesiastes 3?
Every biblical verse was written within a specific letter, psalm, historical narrative, or Gospel conversation. Reading the surrounding chapter shows who is speaking, to whom, and what situation prompted the words, preventing isolated phrases from being misunderstood.
02Which translation does Versea quote on this page?
In English, Versea quotes the public-domain King James Version (KJV) directly from verified chapter sources so that no verse text is ever altered or generated by AI. You can also compare the full book context in the Bible library.
03How can I carry this passage into daily prayer and reflection?
Choose one verse from the list above, read it slowly in the morning and evening, and ask one honest question: what does this text show about God's character, and what small step of trust or kindness does it invite today?