Ecclesiastes 3:7 “a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to s…”

Ecclesiastes 3:7

a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

World English Bible

a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

American Standard Version

a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Geneva Bible 1599

A time to rent, and a time to sowe: a time to keepe silence, and a time to speake.

Darby Translation

A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Young's Literal Translation

A time to rend, And a time to sew. A time to be silent, And a time to speak.

Bible in Basic English

A time for undoing and a time for stitching; a time for keeping quiet and a time for talk;

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Cross references

“time to rend”

Joel 2:13 1 Kings 21:27 2 Kings 5:7 2 Kings 6:30 Genesis 37:29 Genesis 37:34

Joel 2:13 · BSB

So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

1 Kings 21:27 · BSB

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.

2 Kings 5:7 · BSB

When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!”

2 Kings 6:30 · BSB

When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin.

Genesis 37:29 · BSB

When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,

Genesis 37:34 · BSB

Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.

“time to keep”

Amos 5:13 Micah 7:5 Lamentations 3:28 Psalm 39:2 Isaiah 36:21 Amos 8:3

Amos 5:13 · BSB

Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.

Micah 7:5 · BSB

Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.

Lamentations 3:28 · BSB

Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him.

Psalm 39:2 · BSB

I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.

Isaiah 36:21 · BSB

But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

Amos 8:3 · BSB

“In that day,” declares the Lord GOD, “the songs of the temple will turn to wailing. Many will be the corpses, strewn in silence everywhere!”

“and a time to speak”

Acts 4:20 Esther 7:4 1 Samuel 25:24–44 Luke 19:37–40 Genesis 44:18 Genesis 44:34

Acts 4:20 · BSB

For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Esther 7:4 · BSB

For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening t…

1 Samuel 25:24–44 · BSB

She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.

Luke 19:37–40 · BSB

And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen:

Genesis 44:18 · BSB

Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself.

Genesis 44:34 · BSB

For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

6a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard,

8a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Read Ecclesiastes 3