King James Version

What Does Ecclesiastes 3:6 Mean?

Ecclesiastes 3:6 in the King James Version says “A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; get: or, seek” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; get: or, seek”

Ecclesiastes 3:6 · KJV

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.

Read Ecclesiastes 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents antitheses of acquisition and release: 'a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.' The Hebrew 'baqash' (בָּקַשׁ, get/seek) and 'abad' (אָבַד, lose) describe the rhythm of gain and loss that marks human existence. Similarly, 'shamar' (שָׁמַר, keep/guard) and 'shalakh' (שָׁלַךְ, cast away/throw) address retention versus release. Wisdom recognizes that seasons of accumulation must alternate with seasons of letting go. Perpetual acquiring without discernment leads to hoarding; indiscriminate disposal leads to waste. The verse teaches stewardship—holding possessions, relationships, and opportunities loosely enough to release them when God's timing requires, yet faithfully enough to steward them well during seasons of keeping. This anticipates Jesus's teaching about treasures: earthly wealth must be held with open hands, ready to release for kingdom purposes (Matthew 6:19-21; 19:21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient agrarian and mercantile cultures experienced rhythms of acquisition and loss—harvest and famine, profit and loss, building wealth and losing it to war or drought. Joseph's administration in Egypt modeled wise stewardship: gathering during abundance, distributing during scarcity (Genesis 41). Job experienced both: 'The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away' (Job 1:21). Early Christians practiced radical redistribution, selling possessions to meet community needs (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). The Reformation recovered biblical perspective on vocation and possessions: earthly goods are divine trusts to be stewarded faithfully, not ultimate treasures to be hoarded. Puritan theology emphasized holding possessions with 'weaned affections'—grateful for God's gifts but willing to release them at His command.

Reflection Questions

  1. What possessions, relationships, or opportunities might God be calling you to 'cast away' or release in this season?
  2. How do you cultivate the wisdom to discern when to acquire and keep versus when to lose and cast away?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעֵ֥ת1 of 8

“A time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

לְבַקֵּשׁ֙2 of 8

“to get”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וְעֵ֥ת3 of 8

“A time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

לְאַבֵּ֔ד4 of 8

“to lose”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

וְעֵ֥ת5 of 8

“A time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

לִשְׁמ֖וֹר6 of 8

“to keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וְעֵ֥ת7 of 8

“A time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

לְהַשְׁלִֽיךְ׃8 of 8

“to cast away”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:7-8Luke 9:24-25Mark 8:35-37Matthew 16:25-262 Kings 5:26Hebrews 10:34-35

Test Your Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEcclesiastes Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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