King James Version
What Does Ecclesiastes 3:17 Mean?
“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.”
Context
15
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. that which is past: Heb. that which is driven away
16
And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17
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.
18
I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. that God: or, that they might clear God, and see, etc
19
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **A** **time there—**viz., with God. In this verse a judgment after this life is clearly spoken of, but not yet asserted as a conclusion definitely adopted, but only as a belief of the writer’s conflicting with the doubts expressed in the following verses. “1 said in mine heart,” with which Ecclesiastes 3:17-18 both begin, conveys the idea, “I thought,” and yet again I thought.” The writer returns again to speak of the punishment of the wicked in Ecclesiastes 8:15; Ecclesiastes 11:9.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ecclesiastes 3:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 3:17
2 Corinthians 5:10
→Ecclesiastes 12:14
→Ecclesiastes 3:1
→Matthew 16:27
→Romans 2:5-10
→Ecclesiastes 11:9
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge