a time to love
The Hebrew word for "love" here is "אַהֲבָה" (ahavah), which encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, from the deep affection between individuals to the covenantal love God has for His people. In the context of Ecclesiastes, this phrase suggests that there are divinely appointed seasons in life where love is the appropriate response. This could refer to personal relationships, community bonds, or even the love of God. Historically, love has been a central theme in the biblical narrative, from the love between David and Jonathan to the sacrificial love of Christ. This phrase reminds us that love is not only an emotion but also an action and a choice, often requiring patience, sacrifice, and commitment.

and a time to hate
The Hebrew word for "hate" is "שָׂנֵא" (sane), which can mean to detest or to be hostile towards. In a biblical context, this is not a call to harbor personal animosity but rather an acknowledgment that there are times when hatred is a necessary response to evil and injustice. The Bible often speaks of God's hatred for sin and unrighteousness, and believers are called to hate what is evil (Romans 12:9). This phrase serves as a reminder that while love is paramount, there is also a place for righteous indignation against sin and moral corruption.

a time for war
The Hebrew word "מִלְחָמָה" (milchamah) refers to warfare or battle. Throughout the Old Testament, war was a reality for the nation of Israel, often seen as a means of divine judgment or protection. This phrase acknowledges that there are times when conflict is unavoidable, whether in the defense of one's nation, faith, or principles. From a historical perspective, wars have shaped the course of nations and peoples, and the Bible records numerous instances where God used war to fulfill His purposes. This phrase challenges believers to discern when war is justified and to seek God's guidance in times of conflict.

and a time for peace
The Hebrew word for "peace" is "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), which signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. Shalom is a central theme in the Bible, representing not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. This phrase highlights the ultimate goal of God's kingdom, where peace reigns supreme. Historically, periods of peace have allowed for growth, healing, and the flourishing of societies. In a spiritual sense, believers are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), reflecting the peace of Christ in their lives and communities. This phrase encourages us to strive for peace in our relationships and to pray for the peace of the world, looking forward to the day when God's perfect peace will be fully realized.

Verse 8. - A time to love, and a time to hate. This reminds one of the gloss to which our Lord refers (Matthew 5:43), "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy," the first member being found in the old Law (Leviticus 19:18), the second being a misconception of the spirit which made Israel God's executioner upon the condemned nations. It was the maxim of Bias, quoted by Aristotle, 'Rhet.,' 2:13, that we should love as if about some day to hate, and hate as if about to love. And Philo imparts a still more selfish tone to the gnome, when he pronounces ('De Carit.,' 21, p. 401, Mang.), "It was well said by them of old, that we ought to deal out friendship without absolutely renouncing enmity, and practice enmity as possibly to turn to friendship. A time of war, and a time of peace. In the previous couplets the infinitive mood of the verb has been used; in this last hemistich substantives are introduced, as being more concise and better fitted to emphasize the close of the catalogue. The first clause referred specially to the private feelings which one is constrained to entertain towards individuals. The second clause has to do with national concerns, and touches on the statesmanship which discovers the necessity or the opportuneness of war and peace, and acts accordingly. In this and in all the other examples adduced, the lesson intended is this - that man is not independent; that under all circumstances and relations he is in the hand of a power mightier than himself, which frames time and seasons according to its own good pleasure. God holds the threads of human life; in some mysterious way directs and controls events; success and failure are dependent upon his will. There are certain laws which, regulate the issues of actions and events, and man cannot alter these; his free-will can put them in motion, but they become irresistible when in operation. This is not fatalism; it is the mere statement of a fact in experience. Koheleth never denies man's liberty, though he is very earnest in asserting God's sovereignty. The reconciliation of the two is a problem unsolved by him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

to love
לֶֽאֱהֹב֙ (le·’ĕ·hōḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 157: To have affection f

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

to hate,
לִשְׂנֹ֔א (liś·nō)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8130: To hate

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

for war
מִלְחָמָ֖ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

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

for peace.
שָׁלֽוֹם׃ (šā·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love and a time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)