Ecclesiastes 3:1
What does Ecclesiastes 3:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:1 means
This verse establishes the central theme of the chapter: all events and activities in life occur according to a divinely determined schedule. It emphasizes that beneath the seemingly random flow of human experience lies an ordered, purposeful design. Every action and every outcome, from the most significant to the most mundane, fits into a specific season or allocated time "under heaven," implying God's sovereign control over the unfolding of creation and human history. This perspective offers a foundational understanding that life is not chaotic but divinely orchestrated.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
KJV
King James Version · 1611To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For everything there is a fixed time, and a time for every business under the sun.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862To everything--a season, and a time to every delight under the heavens:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All things have their season, and in their times all things pass under heaven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens:
Context
This opening verse acts as a thesis statement for the entire chapter. It immediately sets the tone for a reflection on the universal patterns of life. What follows in verses 2-8 is a detailed poetic exploration, offering numerous examples to illustrate the principle articulated here, demonstrating the breadth and depth of God's timing in all things.
v.1This passage
v.2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ecclesiastes 7:14
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yea, God hath made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything that shall be after him.
- 2 Chronicles 33:12
And when he was in distress, he besought Jehovah his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.
- Ecclesiastes 8:5
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall know no evil thing; and a wise man’s heart discerneth time and judgment:
- Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!
- Matthew 16:3
And in the morning, It will be foul weather to-day: for the heaven is red and lowering. Ye know how to discern the face of the heaven; but ye cannot discern the signs of the times.
- Ecclesiastes 2:3
I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their life.
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