To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
About the Book of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes is a reflective book by a speaker who tests every path for meaning: wisdom, pleasure, work, wealth. Over and over he concludes that it is 'vanity', a vapor that cannot be grasped. He observes that the wise and foolish both die, that injustice is common, and that no one controls time. Yet he also recommends enjoying food, work and friendship as gifts from God. The closing words advise fearing God and keeping his commandments, because everything will be judged.
- Testament: Old Testament
- Genre: Wisdom / Poetry
- Chapters: 12
- Verses: 222
Who Wrote Ecclesiastes, and When?
Author: Traditionally attributed to Solomon; the narrator calls himself Qoheleth, 'the Teacher'.
When it was written: Traditionally 10th century BC; many scholars propose a later date.
Main Themes in Ecclesiastes
- Limits of human achievement
- Enjoying simple gifts
- Facing mortality
A Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
The poem on a time for everything opens a reflection on the seasons that no one controls.
Reading Tip
The Teacher is wrestling with a life 'under the sun', so don't read isolated lines as final conclusions. Use the randomizer above to land on a verse in Ecclesiastes, then press Show context to read the verses around it.
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Browse all 66 books on the Bible books page, or get a verse from the whole Bible with the main Bible verse randomizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters and verses are in Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes has 12 chapters and 222 verses in the King James Version.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Author: Traditionally attributed to Solomon; the narrator calls himself Qoheleth, 'the Teacher'. When it was written: Traditionally 10th century BC; many scholars propose a later date.
What is Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a reflective book by a speaker who tests every path for meaning: wisdom, pleasure, work, wealth. Over and over he concludes that it is 'vanity', a vapor that cannot be grasped. He observes that the wise and foolish both die, that injustice is common, and that no one controls time. Yet he also recommends enjoying food, work and friendship as gifts from God. The closing words advise fearing God and keeping his commandments, because everything will be judged.
Can I get a random verse from only Ecclesiastes?
Yes. This page picks a random verse from Ecclesiastes only. Every one of its 222 verses has an equal chance.