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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 3:3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/21_Ecc_03_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 3:3 - To Everything There is a Season" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build," /><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/3-3.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/3-3.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 3</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="/ad3.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/3-2.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:2">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 3:3 <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 3:4">►</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 kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<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 kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;<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 kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build;<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 kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />for killing and healing, destroying and building, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<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 kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build up,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />the time for killing and the time for healing, the time for tearing down and the time for building. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; <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 kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<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 kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; <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 slay, "" And a time to heal, "" A time to break down, "" And a time to build up.<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 slay, And a time to heal, A time to break down, And a time to build up.<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 kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build:<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 kill, and a time to heal. A time to destroy, and a time to build. <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 kill, and a time to heal. A time to tear down, and a time to build up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. <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 kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;<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 kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build up;<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 kill and a time to save life, a time to tear down and a time to build<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 kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to pull down, and a time to build up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/3-3.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=462" 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">2</span>a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, <span class="reftext">3</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/2026.htm" title="2026: la·hă·rō·wḡ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">to kill</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/7495.htm" title="7495: lir·pō·w (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To heal. Or raphah; a primitive root; properly, to mend, i.e. to cure.">to heal,</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/6555.htm" title="6555: lip̄·rō·wṣ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To break through. A primitive root; to break out.">to break down</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/1129.htm" title="1129: liḇ·nō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">to build,</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,…<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="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a></span><br />See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Hosea 6:1</a></span><br />Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-10.htm">2 Kings 5:10</a></span><br />Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-39.htm">Deuteronomy 32:39</a></span><br />See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.<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="/psalms/147-3.htm">Psalm 147:3</a></span><br />He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5</a></span><br />But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-18.htm">Job 5:18</a></span><br />For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a></span><br />“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a></span><br />The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-17.htm">1 Corinthians 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a></span><br />The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.</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 kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;</p><p class="hdg">time to kill</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-39.htm">Deuteronomy 32:39</a></b></br> See now that I, <i>even</i> I, <i>am</i> he, and <i>there is</i> no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither <i>is there any</i> that can deliver out of my hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-6.htm">1 Samuel 2:6,25</a></b></br> The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/6-1.htm">Hosea 6:1,2</a></b></br> Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up… </p><p class="hdg">a time to heal</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/26-6.htm">Numbers 26:6-9</a></b></br> Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/38-5.htm">Isaiah 38:5</a></b></br> Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/33-6.htm">Jeremiah 33:6</a></b></br> Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.</p><p class="hdg">a time to break</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-5.htm">Isaiah 5:5,6</a></b></br> And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; <i>and</i> break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Isaiah 44:26</a></b></br> That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/31-28.htm">Jeremiah 31:28</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Break</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-27.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-4.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/60-2.htm">Heal</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-10.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/2-17.htm">Break</a> <a href="/songs/8-9.htm">Build</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-22.htm">Heal</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-18.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Time</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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"A time to kill" can be understood in the context of justice and warfare, which were common in ancient Israel. The Israelites were often engaged in battles, as seen in the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6) and the defense against enemies (1 Samuel 17). Killing in this context was sometimes seen as a necessary act to uphold justice or protect the nation. Conversely, "a time to heal" emphasizes restoration and reconciliation. Healing is a significant theme throughout the Bible, with God often portrayed as a healer (<a href="/exodus/15-26.htm">Exodus 15:26</a>). Jesus Christ's ministry was marked by acts of healing, symbolizing spiritual restoration (<a href="/matthew/9-35.htm">Matthew 9:35</a>). This duality underscores the balance between justice and mercy, both of which are attributes of God.<p><b>a time to break down and a time to build</b><br>This phrase highlights the cyclical nature of destruction and construction, both physically and metaphorically. "A time to break down" can refer to the tearing down of physical structures, as seen in the destruction of the walls of Jericho (<a href="/joshua/6-20.htm">Joshua 6:20</a>) or the Temple in Jerusalem (<a href="/2_kings/25-9.htm">2 Kings 25:9</a>). It can also symbolize the breaking down of personal or societal barriers, such as pride or injustice. "A time to build" suggests a period of growth and renewal. The rebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbabel (<a href="/ezra/3-10.htm">Ezra 3:10</a>) and Nehemiah's reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls (<a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">Nehemiah 2:17-18</a>) are historical examples of physical rebuilding. Spiritually, building can refer to the edification of the church and the strengthening of faith (<a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12</a>). This phrase reflects the ongoing process of renewal and transformation in the believer's life, pointing to the ultimate restoration found in Christ.<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. He reflects on the various seasons and times in life, offering insights into the human experience.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of Israel serves as the backdrop for Solomon's writings. The historical context of Israel's fluctuating fortunes provides a real-world example of the cycles described in Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a></b><br>The building and later destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem can be seen as a literal example of "a time to build up and a time to break down."<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_life's_seasons.htm">Understanding Life's Seasons</a></b><br>Recognize that life is composed of various seasons, each with its purpose. Embrace the changes and trust in God's timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_balance_of_justice_and_mercy.htm">The Balance of Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>While there is a time for justice ("a time to kill"), Christians are called to prioritize mercy and healing, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/constructive_and_destructive_forces.htm">Constructive and Destructive Forces</a></b><br>In our lives, there are times to dismantle what is harmful and build up what is good. Discernment is key in knowing when to act.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_growth_and_renewal.htm">Spiritual Growth and Renewal</a></b><br>Just as physical structures are built and torn down, our spiritual lives require times of breaking down old habits and building up new, godly ones.<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/when_is_it_time_to_destroy_or_repair.htm">When is it time to destroy or repair?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_to_break_down_or_build_up.htm">When is it time to break down or build up?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_support_interfaith_dialogue.htm">When is it time to destroy or repair?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A time to kill, and a time to heal</span>. The time to kill might refer to war, only that occurs in ver. 8. Some endeavor to limit the notion to severe surgical operations performed with a view of saving life; but the verb <span class="accented">harag</span> does not admit of the meaning "rewound" or" cut." It most probably refers to the execution of criminals, or to the defense of the oppressed; such emergencies and necessities occur providentially without man's prescience. So sickness is <span class="accented">a visitation</span> beyond man's control, while it calls into exercise the art of healing, which is a gift of God (see Ecclus. 10:10 Ecclus. 38:1, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">A time to break down, and a time to build up</span>. The removal of decaying or unsuitable buildings is meant, and the substitution of new and improved structures. A recollection of Solomon's own extensive architectural works is here introduced. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/3-3.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">עֵ֤ת</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 kill</span><br /><span class="heb">לַהֲרוֹג֙</span> <span class="translit">(la·hă·rō·wḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</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 heal,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְפּ֔וֹא</span> <span class="translit">(lir·pō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7495.htm">Strong's 7495: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mend, to cure</span><br /><br /><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 break down</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְר֖וֹץ</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·rō·wṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6555.htm">Strong's 6555: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break through</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a time</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֵ֥ת</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 build,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:3 A time to kill and a time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 3:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 3:4" /></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>