Ecclesiastes 3:7
What does Ecclesiastes 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ecclesiastes 3:7 means
The Preacher continues his poetic list, emphasizing the appropriate timing for actions related to mending and expressing oneself. "A time to rend, and a time to sew" refers to the ancient practice of tearing garments as a sign of grief, and then mending them later, symbolizing periods of mourning and restoration. The phrase "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" highlights the importance of discerning when to be quiet and when to offer words, recognizing the power and timing of speech. These show discernment is needed at all times.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
KJV
King James Version · 1611A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A time for undoing and a time for stitching; a time for keeping quiet and a time for talk;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A time to rend, And a time to sew. A time to be silent, And a time to speak.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A time to rend, and a time to sew. A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Context
This verse further expands the list of divinely appointed times, moving from material possessions to deeply symbolic actions (rending/sewing) and the critical act of communication (silence/speech). This follows a long line of examples, progressively illustrating the universal reach of God's timing. The inclusion of silence and speech highlights the nuanced wisdom required for navigating everyday human interactions according to an unseen order.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 19:4
And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:
- Acts 4:20
for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.
- 1 Samuel 25:24
And she fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me be the iniquity; and let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine ears, and hear thou the words of thy handmaid.
- Jeremiah 36:24
And they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.
- Genesis 44:34
For how shall I go up to my father, if the lad be not with me? lest I see the evil that shall come on my father.
- Isaiah 36:21
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
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