Ecclesiastes 3:17 Meaning and Explanation
“I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Preacher resolves in his heart that God will judge both the righteous and the wicked, each in its appointed time.
What Does Ecclesiastes 3:17 Mean?
Facing the injustice he has just witnessed, the Preacher turns inward and reaches a settled conviction: God will judge. The righteous and the wicked alike stand before Him, and the verdict that earthly courts withhold will surely come.
The poem's refrain of times returns here with new weight. There is a time for every purpose, and that includes a time of divine judgment. What looks unresolved now is not the end of the story. This assurance frees the believer from bitterness and the need for revenge; we can entrust every wrong to the One who judges justly, knowing His timing is perfect even when ours runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 3:17
What does Ecclesiastes 3:17 mean?
The Preacher resolves in his heart that God will judge both the righteous and the wicked, each in its appointed time.