King James Version
What Does Ecclesiastes 3:6 Mean?
“A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; get: or, seek”
Context
4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; to refrain from: Heb. to be far from
6
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; get: or, seek
7
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **To lose.—**Elsewhere this word means to destroy, but in the later Hebrew it comes to mean to lose, like the Latin “perdere.”
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 3:6 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 3:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge