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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 3:5 a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/21_Ecc_03_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 3:5 - To Everything There is a Season" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:4">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 3:5 <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />for throwing stones and gathering stones, embracing and parting. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to hug and a time to stop hugging, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />the time for making love and the time for not making love, the time for kissing and the time for not kissing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to scatter stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A time to cast away stones, "" And a time to heap up stones. A time to embrace, "" And a time to be far from embracing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A time to cast away stones, And a time to heap up stones. A time to embrace, And a time to be far from embracing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A time to cast away stones, and a time to collect stones a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embracing:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather. A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather. A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />a time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to abstain from embracing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=478" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">To Everything There is a Season</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘êṯ (N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">a time</a> <a href="/hebrew/7993.htm" title="7993: lə·haš·lîḵ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To throw, fling, cast. A primitive root; to throw out, down or away.">to cast away</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’ă·ḇā·nîm (N-fp) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">stones</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: wə·‘êṯ (Conj-w:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">and a time</a> <a href="/hebrew/3664.htm" title="3664: kə·nō·ws (V-Qal-Inf) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to collect; hence, to enfold.">to gather</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’ă·ḇā·nîm (N-fp) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">stones together,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: ‘êṯ (N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">a time</a> <a href="/hebrew/2263.htm" title="2263: la·ḥă·ḇō·wq (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To clasp, embrace. A primitive root; to clasp.">to embrace</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: wə·‘êṯ (Conj-w:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">and a time</a> <a href="/hebrew/7368.htm" title="7368: lir·ḥōq (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">to refrain</a> <a href="/hebrew/2263.htm" title="2263: mê·ḥab·bêq (Prep-m:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To clasp, embrace. A primitive root; to clasp.">from embracing,</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">1 Corinthians 7:5</a></span><br />Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-14.htm">2 Samuel 14:14</a></span><br />For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">Hosea 10:12</a></span><br />Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-24.htm">Isaiah 28:24-25</a></span><br />Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil? / When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? He plants wheat in rows and barley in plots, and rye within its border.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6-8</a></span><br />I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. / He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-30.htm">Matthew 13:30</a></span><br />Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Proverbs 11:24</a></span><br />One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-2.htm">Isaiah 5:2</a></span><br />He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-24.htm">John 12:24</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-9</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a></span><br />Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-3.htm">Jeremiah 4:3</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-38.htm">Luke 6:38</a></span><br />Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">2 Corinthians 9:6</a></span><br />Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/8-22.htm">Genesis 8:22</a></span><br />As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;</p><p class="hdg">to cast</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/4-3.htm">Joshua 4:3-9</a></b></br> And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/10-27.htm">Joshua 10:27</a></b></br> And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, <i>that</i> Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, <i>which remain</i> until this very day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">2 Samuel 18:17,18</a></b></br> And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent… </p><p class="hdg">a time to embrace</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-15.htm">Exodus 19:15</a></b></br> And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at <i>your</i> wives.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/21-4.htm">1 Samuel 21:4,5</a></b></br> And the priest answered David, and said, <i>There is</i> no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/2-6.htm">Song of Solomon 2:6,7</a></b></br> His left hand <i>is</i> under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me… </p><p class="hdg">refrain from </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Embrace</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-16.htm">Embracing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Far</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-13.htm">Kissing</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-15.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Shun</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-8.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-14.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Time</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-27.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/songs/2-6.htm">Embrace</a> <a href="/acts/20-10.htm">Embracing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">Far</a> <a href="/songs/6-2.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/songs/7-2.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/luke/7-38.htm">Kissing</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-9.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-1.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Shun</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">by the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">is an excellence in God's works</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">as for man, God shall judge his works hereafter, though here he be like a beast</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>a time to cast away stones</b><br>This phrase can be understood in the context of ancient agricultural practices. In biblical times, clearing a field of stones was necessary for planting crops. This act symbolizes preparation and making way for new growth. It can also represent the removal of obstacles or burdens in one's life. In a broader spiritual sense, casting away stones may signify repentance and the removal of sin, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/57-14.htm">Isaiah 57:14</a>, where obstacles are removed to prepare the way for the Lord. <p><b>and a time to gather stones together</b><br>Gathering stones could refer to building or constructing, such as erecting altars or memorials, as seen in <a href="/joshua/4-20.htm">Joshua 4:20-24</a>, where stones were gathered to commemorate the crossing of the Jordan River. This act can symbolize unity and the establishment of something lasting. In a spiritual context, it may represent the gathering of God's people or the building up of the church, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a>, where believers are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house.<p><b>a time to embrace</b><br>Embracing can signify love, acceptance, and reconciliation. In the cultural context of the Bible, embracing was a common gesture of greeting and farewell, as well as a sign of familial and friendly affection. This phrase may also point to times of peace and harmony, where relationships are nurtured and strengthened. The act of embracing can be seen in the parable of the prodigal son (<a href="/luke/15-20.htm">Luke 15:20</a>), where the father embraces his returning son, symbolizing forgiveness and restoration.<p><b>and a time to refrain from embracing</b><br>Refraining from embracing may indicate times of separation, mourning, or conflict. In Ecclesiastes, this could reflect the reality of life's changing seasons, where not all times are suitable for closeness. In the context of biblical law, there were times when physical contact was restricted, such as during periods of ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 15). Spiritually, this phrase may suggest discernment in relationships and the need for boundaries, as well as times of personal reflection and solitude.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation where Solomon reigned, often symbolically represented in the text as a place of spiritual and physical significance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who reflects on the meaning of life and the human experience.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_near_east.htm">Ancient Near East</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Ecclesiastes, where stones were used for building, boundary marking, and as symbols in various practices.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/seasons_of_life.htm">Seasons of Life</a></b><br>The broader theme of <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3</a>, emphasizing the cyclical nature of human experiences and divine timing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_seasons.htm">Understanding Seasons</a></b><br>Recognize that life has different seasons, each with its own purpose. Embrace the current season and seek God's wisdom to navigate it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/building_and_tearing_down.htm">Building and Tearing Down</a></b><br>Just as stones can be gathered for building or cast away, evaluate what in your life needs to be built up and what should be removed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/embracing_relationships.htm">Embracing Relationships</a></b><br>There is a time to embrace relationships and a time to set boundaries. Seek discernment in knowing when to do each.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_stones.htm">Symbolism of Stones</a></b><br>In biblical times, stones were used for altars, memorials, and boundaries. Reflect on what "stones" in your life serve as spiritual markers or boundaries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_timing.htm">Divine Timing</a></b><br>Trust in God's perfect timing for every activity under heaven. Patience and faith are essential in waiting for the right time to act.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'a_time_to_embrace'_signify.htm">What does "a time to embrace" signify?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_to_scatter_or_gather_stones.htm">When is it time to scatter or gather stones?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_saint_eustace's_story.htm">When is it time to scatter or gather stones?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_galatians_5_1.htm">What does 'a time to embrace' signify?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Gather stones.--</span>As the collecting of stones for building purposes is included in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm" title="A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;">Ecclesiastes 3:4</a>, it is thought that what is here referred to is the clearing or marring of land (<a href="/isaiah/5-2.htm" title="And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the middle of it, and also made a wine press therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.">Isaiah 5:2</a>; <a href="/isaiah/62-10.htm" title="Go through, go through the gates; prepare you the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.">Isaiah 62:10</a>; <a href="/2_kings/3-19.htm" title="And you shall smite every fenced city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all wells of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.">2Kings 3:19</a>; <a href="/2_kings/3-25.htm" title="And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; however, the slingers went about it, and smote it.">2Kings 3:25</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together.</span> There is no question about building or demolishing houses, as that has been already mentioned in ver. 3. Most commentators see an allusion to the practice of marring an enemy's fields by casting stones upon them, as the Israelites did when they invaded Moab (<a href="/2_kings/3-19.htm">2 Kings 3:19, 25</a>). But this must have been a very abnormal proceeding, and could scarcely be cited as a usual occurrence. Nor is the notion more happy that there is an allusion to the custom of flinging stones or earth into the grave at a burial - a Christian, but not an ancient Jewish practice; this, too, leaves the contrasted "gathering" unexplained. Equally inappropriate is the opinion that the punishment of stoning is meant, or some game played with pebbles. It seems most simple to see herein intimated the operation of clearing a vineyard of stones, as mentioned in <a href="/isaiah/5-2.htm">Isaiah 5:2</a>; and of collecting materials for making fences, wine-press, tower, etc., and repairing roads. <span class="cmt_word">A time to embrace.</span> Those who explain the preceding clause of the marring and clearing of fields connect the following one with the other by conceiving that "the loving action of embracing stands beside the hostile, purposely injurious, throwing of stones into a field" (Delitzsch). It is plain that there are times when one may give himself up to the delights of love and friendship, and times when such distractions would be incongruous and unseasonable, as on solemn, penitential occasions (<a href="/joel/2-16.htm">Joel 2:16</a>; <a href="/exodus/19-15.htm">Exodus 19:15</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">1 Corinthians 7:5</a>); but the congruity of the two clauses of the couplet is not obvious, unless the objectionable position of stones and their advantageous employment are compared with the character of illicit (<a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20</a>) and legitimate love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">a time</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֚ת</span> <span class="translit">(‘êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to cast away</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַשְׁלִ֣יךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·haš·lîḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7993.htm">Strong's 7993: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw out, down, away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stones</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבָנִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a time</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to gather</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּנ֣וֹס</span> <span class="translit">(kə·nō·ws)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> </span><span class="str2">To collect, to enfold</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stones [together],</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבָנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇā·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a time</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(‘êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to embrace</span><br /><span class="heb">לַחֲב֔וֹק</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥă·ḇō·wq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2263.htm">Strong's 2263: </a> </span><span class="str2">To clasp, embrace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a time</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to refrain</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְחֹ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(lir·ḥōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become far or distant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from embracing,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵחַבֵּֽק׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥab·bêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2263.htm">Strong's 2263: </a> </span><span class="str2">To clasp, embrace</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:5 A time to cast away stones (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>