Ecclesiastes 3:4
What does Ecclesiastes 3:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:4 means
Here, the Preacher articulates the divinely appointed times for human emotional expressions. "A time to weep, and a time to laugh" recognizes that sorrow and joy each have their appropriate seasons in life, validating both experiences as part of the human journey. Correspondingly, "a time to mourn, and a time to dance" further emphasizes that periods of grief and celebration are not random but come and go according to a greater design. These emotions are not accidental but are woven into the fabric of existence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
KJV
King James Version · 1611A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A time for weeping and a time for laughing; a time for sorrow and a time for dancing;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A time to weep, And a time to laugh. A time to mourn, And a time to skip.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Context
As part of the continuous list of contrasting pairs, this verse focuses on the ebb and flow of human emotions. Following the more physical and active examples of verses 2 and 3, it introduces the internal, affective dimension of life. This ensures the reader understands that even deeply personal feelings are encompassed within God's sovereign timing, preparing for further examples of social and spiritual interactions.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 126:1
When Jehovah brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream.
- Nehemiah 9:1
Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackcloth, and earth upon them.
- Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
- Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
- Nehemiah 8:9
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto Jehovah your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
- Luke 6:21
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
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