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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 3:2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/21_Ecc_03_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 3:2 - To Everything There is a Season" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot," /><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><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/3-2.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/3-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/3-1.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:1">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 3:2 <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:3">►</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 be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up <i>that which is</i> planted;<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 be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck <i>what is</i> planted;<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 give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot;<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 give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There is a time for birth and death, planting and reaping, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;<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 be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pull out what was planted,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted; <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 be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;<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 be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; <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 bring forth, "" And a time to die. A time to plant, "" And a time to eradicate the planted.<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 bring forth, And a time to die. A time to plant, And a time to eradicate the planted.<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 be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up the planting.<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 be born and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. <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 be born, and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pull up what was planted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. <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 be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;<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 be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;<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 be born and a time to die, the time to plant and the time to uproot the plant<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 be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A time of birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what has been planted;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-2.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=454" 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">1</span>To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: <span class="reftext">2</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/3205.htm" title="3205: lā·le·ḏeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">to be born</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/4191.htm" title="4191: lā·mūṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">to die,</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/5193.htm" title="5193: lā·ṭa·‘aṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To plant. A primitive root; properly, to strike in, i.e. Fix; specifically, to plant.">to plant</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/6131.htm" title="6131: la·‘ă·qō·wr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To pluck or root up. A primitive root; to pluck up; specifically, to hamstring; figuratively, to exterminate.">to uproot,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5193.htm" title="5193: nā·ṭū·a‘ (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- To plant. A primitive root; properly, to strike in, i.e. Fix; specifically, to plant."></a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build,…<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="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a></span><br />Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-5.htm">Job 14:5</a></span><br />Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-16.htm">Psalm 139:16</a></span><br />Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a></span><br />Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></span><br />The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-6.htm">1 Samuel 2:6</a></span><br />The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a></span><br />A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1</a></span><br />For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-8.htm">Romans 14:8</a></span><br />If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-22.htm">1 Corinthians 15:22</a></span><br />For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25</a></span><br />Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-27.htm">Matthew 6:27</a></span><br />Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Acts 17:26</a></span><br />From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-21.htm">Job 1:21</a></span><br />saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”</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 be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;</p><p class="hdg">time to be born</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-21.htm">Genesis 17:21</a></b></br> But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1,2</a></b></br> And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5</a></b></br> <i>They that were</i> full have hired out themselves for bread; and <i>they that were</i> hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.</p><p class="hdg">and a time</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">Genesis 47:29</a></b></br> And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/20-24.htm">Numbers 20:24-28</a></b></br> Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/27-12.htm">Numbers 27:12-14</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Born</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Die</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-25.htm">Plant</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-5.htm">Planted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-5.htm">Planting</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Pluck</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Uproot</a> <a href="/psalms/52-5.htm">Uprooting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Born</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Death</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-16.htm">Die</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-4.htm">Plant</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-4.htm">Planted</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Planting</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-16.htm">Pluck</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Time</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Uproot</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Uprooting</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'; 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Birth and death are universal experiences, highlighting the transient nature of human existence. In <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>, God breathes life into man, marking the beginning of life, while <a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a> reminds us that death is an appointed event for all. The phrase underscores the divine timing in life's events, suggesting that both birth and death are under God's control and purpose. The inevitability of death serves as a reminder of the fall in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>, where sin introduced mortality into the world. This cycle also points to the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ, as seen in <a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a>, where Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life.<p><b>a time to plant and a time to uproot</b><br>This phrase speaks to the agricultural cycle familiar to the original audience, who lived in an agrarian society. Planting and uprooting are essential for sustaining life and reflect the seasons ordained by God. In <a href="/leviticus/25-3.htm">Leviticus 25:3-4</a>, the Israelites are instructed about the sabbatical year, which involves letting the land rest, showing the importance of timing in agriculture. The act of planting can symbolize the beginning of new ventures or spiritual growth, as seen in the parable of the sower in <a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Matthew 13:3-9</a>. Uprooting, on the other hand, can signify judgment or the end of a season, as illustrated in <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a>, where God appoints Jeremiah to uproot and tear down as part of his prophetic ministry. This duality reflects the balance of creation and destruction, growth and removal, all within God's sovereign plan.<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 son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the seasons of life in this passage.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of Israel, where Solomon reigned as king, serves as the backdrop for the wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The term used for the speaker in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the meaning of life and the divine order of times and seasons.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Recognize that God has ordained specific times for every event in our lives, including birth and death. Trust in His perfect timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/embracing_life's_seasons.htm">Embracing Life's Seasons</a></b><br>Accept that life is full of different seasons, each with its purpose. Learn to embrace and find meaning in each season, whether it is a time of planting or uprooting.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_mortality.htm">Reflecting on Mortality</a></b><br>Contemplate the reality of life and death. Use this awareness to live purposefully and align your priorities with eternal values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_growth_and_renewal.htm">Spiritual Growth and Renewal</a></b><br>Just as there is a time to plant and uproot, there are times for spiritual growth and times to remove what hinders our relationship with God. Seek continual renewal in your spiritual walk.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a></b><br>Understand that every moment is an opportunity to fulfill God's purpose. Live intentionally, making the most of the time given to you.<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/how_is_'a_time_to_die'_reconciled.htm">In Ecclesiastes 3:2–8, the idea of “a time to die” might conflict with medical and technological advancements; how is this tension reconciled? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'a_time_to_plant'_mean.htm">What does "a time to plant and uproot" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'sufficient_grace'_mean.htm">What does 'a time to plant and uproot' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_believers_'save_a_soul'_in_james_5_19-20.htm">In James 5:19–20, how can believers be sure they “save a soul from death” by bringing someone back to the truth, given that physical death still occurs regardless of faith?</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>(2) The list of times and seasons is ranged in Hebrew MSS. and printed books in two parallel columns.<p><span class= "bld">A time to die.--</span><a href="/job/14-5.htm" title="Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with you, you have appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;">Job 14:5</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A time to be born, and a time to die.</span> Throughout the succeeding catalogue marked contrasts are exhibited in pairs, beginning with the entrance and close of life, the rest of the list being occupied with events and circumstances which intervene between those two extremities. The words rendered, "a time to be born," might more naturally mean "<span class="accented">a</span> time to bear;" <span class="greek">καιρὸς τοῦ</span> <span class="greek">τεκεῖν</span>, Septuagint; as the verb is in the infinitive active, which, in this particular verb, is not elsewhere found used in the passive sense, though other verbs are so used sometimes, as in <a href="/jeremiah/25-34.htm">Jeremiah 25:34</a>. In the first case the catalogue commences with the beginning of life; in the second, with the season of full maturity: "Those who at one time give life to others, at another have themselves to yield to the law of death" (Wright). The contrast points to the passive rendering. There is no question of untimely birth or suicide; in the common order of events birth and death have each their appointed season, which comes to pass without man's interference, being directed by a higher law. "It is appointed unto men once to die" (<a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a>). Koheleth's teaching was perverted by sensualists, as we read in Wisd. 2:2, 3, 5. <span class="cmt_word">A time to plant.</span> After speaking of human life it is natural to turn to vegetable life, which runs in parallel lines with man's existence. Thus Job, having intimated the shortness of life and the certainty of death, proceeds to speak of the tree, contrasting its revivifying powers with the <span class="accented">hopelessness</span> of man's decay (<a href="/job/14-5.htm">Job 14:5</a>, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">And to pluck up that which is planted</span>. This last operation may refer to the transplanting of trees and shrubs, or to the gathering of the fruits of the earth in order to make room for new agricultural works. But having regard to the opposition in all the members of the series, we should rather consider the "plucking up" as equivalent to destroying, if we plant trees, a time comes when we cut them down, and this is their final cause. Some commentators see in this clause an allusion to the settling and uprooting of kingdoms and nations, as <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/18-9.htm">Jeremiah 18:9</a>. etc. but this could not have been the idea in Koheleth's mind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-2.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">עֵ֥ת</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 be born</span><br /><span class="heb">לָלֶ֖דֶת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·le·ḏeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a time</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵ֣ת</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 die,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָמ֑וּת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</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 plant</span><br /><span class="heb">לָטַ֔עַת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ṭa·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5193.htm">Strong's 5193: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike in, fix, to plant</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 uproot,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲק֥וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·qō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6131.htm">Strong's 6131: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pluck up, to hamstring, to exterminate</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:3" /></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>