Log inSign up

Ecclesiastes 3 · a question people ask

"a time to kill" (3:3), "a time to hate; a time for war" (3:8). Is the chapter telling us when to kill, hate or go to war?

In the text

The chapter lists times; it gives no command. It opens, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven" (3:1), and the list sets times side by side in pairs, as in "a time to kill, and a time to heal" (3:3), "a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace" (3:8). The list doesn't say when each time comes, who decides, or what anyone should do in it. After it the Preacher asks, "What profit has he who works in that in which he labors?" (3:9), and says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (3:11), "yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end" (3:11). These notes quote 3:3 and 3:8 as they stand, and apply them to no person, war or cause.

The verses

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 · World English Bible
“a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What profit has he who works in that in which he labors?”
Ecclesiastes 3:8-9 · World English Bible
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Ecclesiastes 3

Ecclesiastes 3: A time for every purpose

The chapter that opens with "a time for every purpose" (3:1) says the same Hebrew words again when the Preacher sees wickedness in the place of justice: "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work" (3:17). In the Preacher's words, God's judging has its time too.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekEcclesiastes 3 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Ecclesiastes 3

All questions about Ecclesiastes →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions