Ecclesiastes 3:6
What does Ecclesiastes 3:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:6 means
This verse adds another set of contrasting experiences, focusing on the pursuit and relinquishment of things. "A time to seek, and a time to lose" acknowledges that efforts to acquire or find things, and the inevitable experience of loss, are both part of life's rhythm. Similarly, "a time to keep, and a time to cast away" speaks to the appointed moments for holding onto possessions or letting them go. These pairings speak to cycles of acquisition and disposal, accumulation and detachment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
KJV
King James Version · 1611A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A time for search and a time for loss; a time to keep and a time to give away;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A time to seek, And a time to destroy. A time to keep, And a time to cast away.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A time to get, and a time to lose. A time to keep, and a time to cast away.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A time to seek, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Context
The enumeration of life's contrasting seasons continues here, moving into areas concerning possessions and pursuits. This verse follows examples touching upon physical tasks, emotions, and relationships, broadening the scope to include one's engagement with material things. It reinforces the idea that all aspects of human endeavor, including what we acquire and what we release, are subject to a predetermined divine schedule.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 10:34
For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.
- Mark 10:28
Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
- Jonah 1:5
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it unto them. But Jonah was gone down into the innermost parts of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.
- 2 Kings 7:15
And they went after them unto the Jordan: and, lo, all the way was full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their haste. And the messengers returned, and told the king.
- Exodus 12:35
And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
- Philippians 3:7
Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
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