Ecclesiastes 3:4
Verse
Context
To Everything There Is a Season
3a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build, 4a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"To weep has its time, and to laugh has its time; to mourn has its time, and to dance has its time." It is possible that the author was led by the consonance from livnoth to livkoth, which immediately follows it; but the sequence of the thoughts is at the same time inwardly mediated, for sorrow kills and joy enlivens, Sir. 32:21-24. ספוד is particularly lamentation for the dead, Zac 12:10; and רקוד, dancing (in the more modern language the usual word for hholēl, kirkēr, hhāgǎg) at a marriage festival and on other festal occasions. It is more difficult to say what leads the author to the two following pairs of contrasts: -
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
mourn--namely, for the dead (Gen 23:2). dance--as David before the ark (Sa2 6:12-14; Psa 30:11); spiritually (Mat 9:15; Luk 6:21; Luk 15:25). The Pharisees, by requiring sadness out of time, erred seriously.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A time to weep, and a time to laugh,.... There is a time for these things, as it goes ill or well with persons, as to their health, estate, or friends; and as it goes ill or well with kingdoms and states. The Jews wept when they were in Babylon, and their mouths were filled with laughter when their captivity was returned, Psa 137:1; and as it goes ill or well with the church of Christ, when there are corruptions in doctrine and worship, a neglect of ordinances, declensions in faith and practice, few instances of conversion, and there are divisions and contentions, it is a time for the mourners in Zion to weep but when God creates Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy, or makes her an eternal excellency, and the praise of the whole earth, then it is a time to rejoice and be glad, Isa 61:3; and as it is, with believers, when Christ is withdrawn from them, it is a time to lament, but, when the bridegroom is with them, it is a time of joy; when it is a night of darkness and desertion, weeping endures, but when the morning comes, the day breaks, and the sun of righteousness arises, joy comes with it, Mat 9:15 Joh 16:19. Now in the present state is the saints' weeping time; in the time to come they will laugh, or be filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory, Luk 6:21; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; to mourn at funerals, and to dance at festivals; in a spiritual sense, God sometimes turns the mourning of his people into dancing, or joy, which that is expressive of; see Psa 30:11.
Ecclesiastes 3:4
To Everything There Is a Season
3a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build, 4a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Pure Heart - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill44K43:43RepentanceEXO 20:2PSA 34:18PSA 51:17PSA 67:3PSA 103:2ECC 3:4REV 2:4In this sermon, Dr. Luke Reisman preaches from the historic pulpit of John Wesley in London. He highlights the power of reading and understanding the Word of God. He emphasizes the importance of reading scripture with sincerity and authenticity, rather than trying to be dramatic like actors. Dr. Reisman shares a personal story of a tragic experience in his own life to illustrate the need for mercy and the intimate relationship with God. He also references the 8th and 23rd Psalms to emphasize the greatness of God and His mercy towards mankind.
James 4 - Backsliding Prevention by Recovery
By Richard Owen Roberts8751:46:46ECC 3:4JAS 4:4JAS 4:7This sermon based on James chapter 4 emphasizes the importance of submitting to God, resisting the devil, drawing near to God, cleansing hands and purifying hearts, mourning over sin, and humbling oneself in God's presence. It highlights the need to make a clear choice between loving God or the world, and the significance of seeking God continually to avoid backsliding and experience divine visitation.
Unreached Peoples: The Tribes of Myanmar Burma Chin State
By Paul Hattaway48800:00PSA 133:1ECC 3:4ROM 12:10COL 3:14This sermon reflects on a journey through Chin Hills in Western Myanmar, encountering the Chin and Naga tribes. It describes the simplicity and peace found in a typical Naga village, where hospitality is shown through traditional rice liquor and cultural practices like tattooing. The celebration in a Chin village showcases the unity and joy of the community in events like childbirth, marriage, and tribal returns, expressed through traditional dances and songs amidst the scenic mountain backdrop.
Poor Yet Rich
By A.W. Pink0Abundant GraceSpiritual PovertyNEH 8:10PSA 86:1ECC 3:4MAT 5:3JHN 7:371CO 3:21HEB 12:2REV 3:17A.W. Pink emphasizes the paradox of being 'poor yet rich' in Christ, highlighting that true humility and acknowledgment of our spiritual poverty are essential for receiving God's abundant grace. He contrasts the self-sufficient attitude of the proud with the blessedness of those who recognize their need for Christ, encouraging believers to draw upon His infinite fullness. Pink urges Christians to live by faith, confess their shortcomings, and embrace the joy of the Lord as their strength, rather than remaining in a state of despair. He reassures that through gratitude and praise, believers can overcome feelings of shame and access the joy and communion with God that is rightfully theirs. Ultimately, he calls for a balance between recognizing our neediness and claiming the rich inheritance available in Christ.
The Matter of Conversation.
By J.R. Miller0Communication in the Christian LifeThe Power of WordsPSA 19:14PRO 10:19PRO 15:1PRO 16:24PRO 18:21ECC 3:4MAT 12:34EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of our speech, urging that every word should be gracious and beneficial, as our manner of speaking can greatly influence how our message is received. He highlights the importance of both the manner and matter of conversation, noting that a pure heart is essential for speaking wholesome words. Miller warns against idle talk and encourages believers to use their speech to uplift and inspire others, reflecting Christ's love and grace. He also stresses the role of the home in shaping our speech habits, advocating for a nurturing environment that fosters kind and respectful communication. Ultimately, he calls for a mindful approach to conversation, where even light-hearted exchanges can carry a meaningful message.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"To weep has its time, and to laugh has its time; to mourn has its time, and to dance has its time." It is possible that the author was led by the consonance from livnoth to livkoth, which immediately follows it; but the sequence of the thoughts is at the same time inwardly mediated, for sorrow kills and joy enlivens, Sir. 32:21-24. ספוד is particularly lamentation for the dead, Zac 12:10; and רקוד, dancing (in the more modern language the usual word for hholēl, kirkēr, hhāgǎg) at a marriage festival and on other festal occasions. It is more difficult to say what leads the author to the two following pairs of contrasts: -
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
mourn--namely, for the dead (Gen 23:2). dance--as David before the ark (Sa2 6:12-14; Psa 30:11); spiritually (Mat 9:15; Luk 6:21; Luk 15:25). The Pharisees, by requiring sadness out of time, erred seriously.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A time to weep, and a time to laugh,.... There is a time for these things, as it goes ill or well with persons, as to their health, estate, or friends; and as it goes ill or well with kingdoms and states. The Jews wept when they were in Babylon, and their mouths were filled with laughter when their captivity was returned, Psa 137:1; and as it goes ill or well with the church of Christ, when there are corruptions in doctrine and worship, a neglect of ordinances, declensions in faith and practice, few instances of conversion, and there are divisions and contentions, it is a time for the mourners in Zion to weep but when God creates Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy, or makes her an eternal excellency, and the praise of the whole earth, then it is a time to rejoice and be glad, Isa 61:3; and as it is, with believers, when Christ is withdrawn from them, it is a time to lament, but, when the bridegroom is with them, it is a time of joy; when it is a night of darkness and desertion, weeping endures, but when the morning comes, the day breaks, and the sun of righteousness arises, joy comes with it, Mat 9:15 Joh 16:19. Now in the present state is the saints' weeping time; in the time to come they will laugh, or be filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory, Luk 6:21; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; to mourn at funerals, and to dance at festivals; in a spiritual sense, God sometimes turns the mourning of his people into dancing, or joy, which that is expressive of; see Psa 30:11.