Devine Scripture

Ecclesiastes 3:17

What does Ecclesiastes 3:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ecclesiastes 3:17 means

In response to the observed wickedness in places of justice, the Preacher finds solace and conviction in his heart: "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work." This affirms his belief in ultimate divine accountability. Even if justice is perverted on earth, God will ensure a proper reckoning for all. The assurance that there is an appointed "time" for this judgment reinforces the chapter's overarching theme of divine timing, extending it to the realm of eternal justice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I 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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I said in my heart, God will be judge of the good and of the bad; because a time for every purpose and for every work has been fixed by him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I said in my heart, `The righteous and the wicked doth God judge, for a time <FI>is<Fi> to every matter and for every work there.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I said in my heart: God shall judge both the just and the wicked, and then shall be the time of every thing.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I said in my heart,God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Context

Responding directly to the disheartening observation of wickedness in the courts (verse 16), this verse presents the Preacher's theological response and hope. It introduces the certainty of divine judgment, providing a crucial interpretive lens for understanding earthly injustice. This assertion of future judgment then leads into deeper reflection on human mortality and the shared fate of humanity and beasts, as explored in the subsequent verses.

v.16And moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.

v.17This passage

v.18I said in my heart, It isbecause of the sons of men, that God may prove them, and that they may see that they themselves are but as beasts.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Daniel 12:9

    And he said, Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed till the time of the end.

  • Psalms 98:9

    Before Jehovah; for he cometh to judge the earth: He will judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with equity.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:16

    I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I have gotten me great wisdom above all that were before me in Jerusalem; yea, my heart hath had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

  • Revelation 20:2

    And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,

  • Genesis 18:25

    That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, that so the righteous should be as the wicked; that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

  • 2 Peter 3:7

    but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Ecclesiastes 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Ecclesiastes 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Ecclesiastes 3:17.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary