a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Ecclesiastes 3:7
What does Ecclesiastes 3:7 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Ecclesiastes 3:7
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's not just about mourning, but also about the natural cycle of things falling apart and being put back together, whether it's clothes, relationships, or even kingdoms. Similarly, there's a divine rhythm to when words should be held back and when they must be spoken, often for our own good and the good of others.
a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Preacher has just declared that there's an appropriate time for everything, even for mourning and the eventual recovery from it. This verse continues that thought by contrasting actions: sometimes it's right to tear apart (whether garments in grief or perhaps even relationships in discord), and other times it's appropriate to mend and repair. Similarly, there are moments when silence is wise, and moments when speaking up is necessary.
Life isn't a straight line; it's a series of actions and reactions, of beginnings and endings. This verse highlights how even seemingly opposite actions have their rightful place.
The verse presents pairs of actions: tearing and sewing, silence and speaking. These aren't just random occurrences, but rather reflect the natural ebb and flow of life, and even the seasons of our spiritual journey.
Tearing and Sewing
This can refer to the literal tearing of garments in grief or anger, a practice seen throughout ancient Israelite culture. But it also speaks metaphorically:
Silence and Speaking
This pair addresses communication, or the lack thereof:
Ask a follow-up
Understanding when to act is often more critical than knowing what to do. This verse is a call to discernment, urging us to align our actions with the right moment.
The core of this verse lies in recognizing that life's circumstances demand different responses. It's not about a fixed rule for tearing or sewing, speaking or staying silent, but about the wisdom to discern the appropriate response for a given time.
The Danger of Misplaced Action
Cultivating Discernment
The text implicitly calls us to develop spiritual discernment – the ability to perceive God's timing and the wisest course of action. This involves:
Understand the original words
qāra‘ · Hebrew Verb
To rend or rip asunder. In biblical usage, this is frequently associated with deep mourning, grief, or righteous indignation.
tāpar · Hebrew Verb
To join or mend fabrics together. Metaphorically, it implies restoration, reconciliation, or the act of bringing together what has been divided.
ḥāšâ · Hebrew Verb
The act of remaining quiet or restraining one’s speech. It is often a sign of wisdom, reverent awe before God, or necessary prudence.
dābar · Hebrew Verb
To express words or declare truth. Biblical speaking carries the weight of moral responsibility and the power to influence others for good or ill.
This passage shows Job's friends sitting in silence with him for seven days, illustrating the profound sorrow that can call for quietness, mirroring the 'time to keep silence' mentioned in Ecclesiastes.
1 Kings 11:30-31The prophet Ahijah tears his new garment into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam, symbolizing the rending of the kingdom, which connects to the 'time to tear' and the subsequent hope for restoration implied by 'a time to sew'.
Proverbs 15:23This verse speaks of the joy found in a timely word, highlighting the contrast to silence and reinforcing the wisdom of speaking when appropriate, aligning with the 'a time to speak' from Ecclesiastes.
Matthew 10:34-36Jesus' words about bringing division to families show that sometimes speaking truth can lead to tearing apart, while the ultimate goal of reconciliation implies a later 'sewing' or mending.
clarkeEcclesiastes 3:7: "A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;"
A time to rend, - sew, - keep silence, - speak - - "Intestine broils And factions rend a state: at length the breach Is heal'd, and rest ensues. Wisdom restrains The tongue, when words are vain: but now, 'Tis time to speak, and silence would be criminal."
henryEcclesiastes 3:1-10: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
3:1-10 To expect unchanging happiness in a changing world, must end in disappointment. To bring ourselves to our state in life, is our duty and wisdom in this world. God's whole plan for the government of the world will be found altogether wise, just, and good. Then let us seize the favourable opportunity for every good purpose and work. The time to die is fast approaching. Thus labour and sor…
It's not just about mourning, but also about the natural cycle of things falling apart and being put back together, whether it's clothes, relationships, or even kingdoms. Similarly, there's a divine rhythm to when words should be held back and when they must be spoken, often for our own good and the good of others.
The Preacher has just declared that there's an appropriate time for everything, even for mourning and the eventual recovery from it. This verse continues that thought by contrasting actions: sometimes it's right to tear apart (whether garments in grief or perhaps even relationships in discord), and other times it's appropriate to mend and repair. Similarly, there are moments when silence is wise, and moments when speaking up is necessary.
The Preacher has just declared that there's an appropriate time for everything, even for mourning and the eventual recovery from it. This verse continues that thought by contrasting actions: sometimes it's right to tear apart (whether garments in grief or perhaps even relationships in discord), and other times it's appropriate to mend and repair. Similarly, there are moments when silence is wise, and moments when speaking up is necessary.
"a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;" — It's not just about mourning, but also about the natural cycle of things falling apart and being put back together, whether it's clothes, relationships, or even kingdoms. Similarly, there's a divine…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026