a time to weep and a time to laugh
This phrase highlights the duality of human emotions and experiences. Weeping is often associated with sorrow, loss, or repentance. In biblical times, public displays of weeping were common during periods of mourning or distress, as seen in the lamentations of Jeremiah or the mourning rituals in the book of Job. Conversely, laughter is a sign of joy and celebration. The Bible often associates laughter with moments of divine blessing or fulfillment, such as Sarah's laughter upon hearing she would bear a son in her old age (Genesis 21:6). This balance between weeping and laughter reflects the human condition and the seasons of life ordained by God. It also points to the ultimate joy found in Christ, who promises to turn mourning into joy (John 16:20).

a time to mourn and a time to dance
Mourning in the biblical context often involved rituals such as wearing sackcloth, fasting, and lamenting, as seen in the practices of the Israelites during times of national or personal tragedy. Mourning is a time for reflection and seeking God's comfort, as Jesus Himself said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Dancing, on the other hand, is frequently associated with celebration and worship. King David famously danced before the Lord with all his might when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14). This contrast between mourning and dancing underscores the cyclical nature of life and the hope of restoration and joy that God provides. It also foreshadows the eternal joy believers will experience in the presence of God, where sorrow and mourning will flee away (Isaiah 35:10).

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible.

2. Israel
The nation to which Solomon belonged, often experiencing cycles of weeping and rejoicing throughout its history.

3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)
The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who reflects on the meaning of life and the appropriate times for various human experiences.Understanding Seasons of Life
Recognize that life is composed of various seasons, each with its own purpose. Just as nature has seasons, so do our lives, and each season is ordained by God.

Embracing Emotional Balance
It is important to allow ourselves to experience the full range of emotions. Weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing are all part of the human experience and should be embraced as such.

God's Sovereignty in Timing
Trust in God's perfect timing for every event in our lives. He knows when it is time for each emotion and experience, and His timing is always purposeful.

Community and Empathy
Engage with others in their times of weeping and rejoicing. Being present with others in their emotional seasons fosters community and reflects Christ's love.

Hope in Transformation
Remember that times of mourning can lead to dancing. God has the power to transform our sorrow into joy, and this hope should sustain us through difficult times.(4) Mourn.--This is the ordinary word used for noisy funeral lamentations (Jeremiah 4:8; 1Samuel 25:1).

Verse 4. - A time to weep, and a time to laugh, grouped naturally with a time to mourn, and a time to dance. The funeral and the wedding, the hired mourners and the guests at the marriage-feast, are set against one another. The first clause intimates the spontaneous manifestation of the feelings of the heart; the second, their formal expression in the performances at funerals and weddings and on other solemn occasions. The contrast is found in the Lord's allusion to the sulky children in the market-place, who would not join their companions' play: "We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented" (Matthew 11:17). Dancing sometimes accompanied religious sere-monies, as when David brought up the ark (2 Samuel 6:14, 16).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

to weep
לִבְכּוֹת֙ (liḇ·kō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan

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

to laugh,
לִשְׂח֔וֹק (liś·ḥō·wq)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7832: To laugh, to play

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

to mourn
סְפ֖וֹד (sə·p̄ō·wḏ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5594: To tear the hair and beat the breasts, to lament, to wail

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

to dance,
רְקֽוֹד׃ (rə·qō·wḏ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7540: To stamp, to spring about


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep and a time (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)