a time to be born and a time to dieThis phrase reflects the natural order established by God, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over the cycle of life. Birth and death are universal experiences, highlighting the transient nature of human existence. In
Genesis 2:7, God breathes life into man, marking the beginning of life, while
Hebrews 9:27 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
Genesis 3, 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
John 11:25-26, where Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life.
a time to plant and a time to uproot
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. InLeviticus 25:3-4, 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 inMatthew 13:3-9. Uprooting, on the other hand, can signify judgment or the end of a season, as illustrated inJeremiah 1:10, 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.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally 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.
2.
IsraelThe nation of Israel, where Solomon reigned as king, serves as the backdrop for the wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes.
3.
The Preacher (Qoheleth)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.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's SovereigntyRecognize that God has ordained specific times for every event in our lives, including birth and death. Trust in His perfect timing.
Embracing Life's SeasonsAccept 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.
Reflecting on MortalityContemplate the reality of life and death. Use this awareness to live purposefully and align your priorities with eternal values.
Spiritual Growth and RenewalJust 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.
Living with PurposeUnderstand that every moment is an opportunity to fulfill God's purpose. Live intentionally, making the most of the time given to you.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 3:2?
2.How does Ecclesiastes 3:2 reflect God's sovereignty over life and death?
3.What seasons in your life align with "a time to be born and die"?
4.How can Ecclesiastes 3:2 guide your understanding of life's temporary nature?
5.Connect Ecclesiastes 3:2 with Psalm 139:16 on God's plan for our lives.
6.How can you apply Ecclesiastes 3:2 to trust God's timing in your life?
7.How does Ecclesiastes 3:2 relate to the concept of divine timing in life events?
8.What does "a time to be born and a time to die" imply about God's sovereignty?
9.How does Ecclesiastes 3:2 challenge the belief in free will versus predestination?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 3?
11.In Ecclesiastes 3:2–8, the idea of “a time to die” might conflict with medical and technological advancements; how is this tension reconciled?
12.What does "a time to plant and uproot" mean?
13.What does 'a time to plant and uproot' mean?
14.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?What Does Ecclesiastes 3:2 Mean
a time to be born• God Himself schedules every birth. “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” (Psalm 139:16).
• Birth is a gift, not an accident. Jeremiah was known and appointed “before you were born” (Jeremiah 1:5), reminding us that each life arrives on purpose.
• Even the timing of Christ’s incarnation was not random: “When the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman” (Galatians 4:4).
• Physical birth points to the spiritual new birth offered in Christ. Jesus said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3).
and a time to die• Just as God designs the beginning of life, He determines its end. “Man’s days are determined… You have appointed his limits that he cannot pass” (Job 14:5).
• Death is an appointment: “People are appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
• For believers, death is precious to God: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15).
• Recognizing life’s set boundary stirs wisdom: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
a time to plant• Planting reflects faith in God’s ordered seasons. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest… shall never cease” (Genesis 8:22).
• The farmer’s patience mirrors godly perseverance: “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the land” (James 5:7).
• Sowing generously is encouraged: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).
• In Jesus’ parables (Mark 4:26-29), planting illustrates the quiet, certain advance of God’s kingdom.
and a time to uproot• Seasons end, and fields must be cleared. Jeremiah was told to “uproot and tear down… to build and plant” (Jeremiah 1:10), showing God’s right to remove what no longer serves His purpose.
• Jesus warned, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots” (Matthew 15:13).
• Harvest brings separation: “First collect the weeds… then gather the wheat into my barn” (Matthew 13:30).
• Even fruitful vines endure pruning (John 15:2), proving that uprooting can refine and prepare for greater fruitfulness.
summaryLife unfolds under God’s precise timetable. He appoints beginnings and endings, seasons of investing and seasons of clearing. Embracing His sovereignty in each phase frees us to rejoice when He gives life, trust Him when He calls us home, labor diligently when He says “plant,” and release willingly when He says “uproot.”
(2) The list of times and seasons is ranged in Hebrew MSS. and printed books in two parallel columns.
A time to die.--Job 14:5.
Verse 2. -
A time to be born, and a time to die. 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 "
a time to bear;"
καιρὸς τοῦτεκεῖν, 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
Jeremiah 25:34. 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" (
Hebrews 9:27). Koheleth's teaching was perverted by sensualists, as we read in Wisd. 2:2, 3, 5.
A time to plant. 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
hopelessness of man's decay (
Job 14:5, etc.).
And to pluck up that which is planted. 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
Jeremiah 1:10;
Jeremiah 18:9. etc. but this could not have been the idea in Koheleth's mind.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
a timeעֵ֥ת(‘êṯ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whento be bornלָלֶ֖דֶת(lā·le·ḏeṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineageand a timeוְעֵ֣ת(wə·‘êṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whento die,לָמ֑וּת(lā·mūṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4191:To die, to killa timeעֵ֣ת(‘êṯ)Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whento plantלָטַ֔עַת(lā·ṭa·‘aṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5193:To strike in, fix, to plantand a timeוְעֵ֖ת(wə·‘êṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256:Time, now, whento uproot,לַעֲק֥וֹר(la·‘ă·qō·wr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6131:To pluck up, to hamstring, to exterminate
Links
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
