A time to tear
The Hebrew word for "tear" is "קָרַע" (qara), which often signifies a physical act of tearing garments, a traditional expression of grief or mourning in ancient Israelite culture. This phrase suggests that there are moments in life when it is appropriate to express sorrow or distress openly. Historically, tearing one's clothes was a sign of deep emotional turmoil or repentance, as seen in the actions of biblical figures like Job and King David. This act of tearing can also symbolize the breaking down of barriers or the removal of what is old to make way for the new, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and the necessity of change.

and a time to mend
The word "mend" comes from the Hebrew "תָּפַר" (taphar), meaning to sew or repair. This phrase indicates that there are also times when healing and restoration are necessary. In the context of relationships or communities, mending can refer to reconciliation and the rebuilding of what has been broken. It emphasizes the importance of restoration and the hope that follows periods of destruction or loss. Theologically, this can be seen as a reflection of God's redemptive work in the world, where He brings healing and wholeness to broken lives.

a time to be silent
The Hebrew word for "silent" is "חָשָׁה" (chashah), which means to be still or quiet. Silence can be a powerful response in times of reflection, contemplation, or reverence. In the biblical context, silence is often associated with wisdom and discernment, as seen in the Proverbs, where restraint in speech is valued. This phrase suggests that there are moments when words are unnecessary or even harmful, and that listening or waiting can be more beneficial. It also points to the spiritual discipline of silence, where one seeks to hear God's voice amidst the noise of life.

and a time to speak
The Hebrew word "דָּבַר" (dabar) means to speak or declare. This phrase acknowledges that there are also times when speaking out is necessary and right. In the biblical narrative, speaking is often associated with proclaiming truth, justice, or encouragement. The call to speak can be seen in the prophetic tradition, where prophets were compelled to deliver God's message to His people. This highlights the responsibility to use one's voice for good, to advocate for righteousness, and to share the Gospel message. It underscores the balance between silence and speech, urging believers to seek God's wisdom in discerning the appropriate time for each.

Verse 7. - A time to rend, and a time to sew (καιρὸς τοῦ ῤῆξαι καὶ καιρὸς τοῦ ῤάψαι). This is usually understood of the rending of garments in token of grief (Genesis 37:29, 34, etc.), and the repairing of the rent then made when the season of mourning was ended. The Talmudists laid down careful rules concerning the extent of the ritual tear, and how long it was to remain unmended, both being regulated by the nearness of the relationship of the deceased person. In this interpretation there are these two difficulties: first, it makes the clause a virtual repetition of ver. 4; and secondly, it is not known for certain that the closing of the rent was a ceremonial custom in the times of Koheleth. Hence Plumptre inclines to take the expression metaphorically of the division of a kingdom by schism, and the restoration of unity, comparing the Prophet Ahijah's communication to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:30, 31). But surely this would be a most unlikely allusion to put into Solomon's mouth; nor can we properly look for such a symbolical representation amid the other realistic examples given in the series. What Koheleth says is this - There are times when it is natural to tear clothes to pieces, whether from grief, or anger, or any other cause, e.g., as being old and worthless, or infected; and there are times when it is equally natural to mend them, and to make them serviceable by timely repairs. Connected with the notion of mourning contributed by this clause, though by no means confined to that notion, it is added, A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. The silence of deep sorrow may be intimated, as when Job's friends sat by him in sympathizing silence (Job 2:13), and the psalmist cried, "I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred" (Psalm 39:2); and Elisha could not bear to hear his master's departure mentioned (2 Kings 2:3, 5). There are also occasions when the sorrow of the heart should find utterance, as in David's lament over Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17, etc.) and over Abner (2 Samuel 3:33, etc.). But the gnome is of more general application. The young should hold their peace in the presence of their elders (Job 32:4, etc.); silence is often golden: "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: when he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent" (Proverbs 17:28). On the other hand, wise counsel is of infinite value, and must not be withheld at the right moment, and "a word in due season, how good is it!" (Proverbs 15:23; Proverbs 25:11). "If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbor; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth" (Ecclus. 5:12; see more, Ecclus. 20:5, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


a time
עֵ֤ת (‘êṯ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

to tear
לִקְר֙וֹעַ֙ (liq·rō·w·a‘)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7167: To rend

and a time
וְעֵ֣ת (wə·‘êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

to mend,
לִתְפּ֔וֹר (liṯ·pō·wr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8609: To sew together

a time
עֵ֥ת (‘êṯ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

to be silent
לַחֲשׁ֖וֹת (la·ḥă·šō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2814: To be silent, inactive, or still

and a time
וְעֵ֥ת (wə·‘êṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

to speak,
לְדַבֵּֽר׃ (lə·ḏab·bêr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:7 A time to tear and a time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)