A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. Ecclesiastes 3:5 (KJV)
There seems to be some ambiguity surrounding the word ‘stone’ and the phrases ‘to cast away stones,’ and ‘to gather stones.’
Possible meanings:
(a) ‘… to cast’ could mean to ruin other’s fields (2 King 3:19, 25)
(b) ‘… to gather’ could mean clearing land for agricultural use (Isa. 5:2)
Provan reads this as accumulation and distribution of wealth. And consequently, he interprets the second half of the verse with reference to wealth.
(c) ‘… stones’ could mean gordis (Seow, 161) as in Ex 1:16, Jer 2:27, Mat 3:9.
(d) ‘… to cast’ could mean continence
(e) ‘… to gather’ could mean giving into sexual intercourse
Seow is doubtful that ‘… stones’ in Jer 2:27 and Mat 3:9 could be a reference to sexuality. But the same doubt extends to (a) and (b). Because both interpretations don’t seem to fit the larger context of the verse. Reasons: (a) is a reference to military action, and (b) does not seem to have any direct relevance to the second half of the verse.
(f) Points (c), (d), and (e) may not be a reference to sexual intercourse as the Biblical foundation for it is weak [although, Bartholomew does not really expand on this]
(g) Bartholomew also disagrees with (a); reasons: out of the list of 28 actions in this chapter, only this one is ‘sinful.’ And it does not really fit the genre of wisdom literature as to why Qoheleth would advice a sinful activity. (Bartholomew, 140)
Bartholomew takes a contra view to Seow. He actually subscribes to (b). ‘… to cast… to gather’ could mean clearing of field and gathering of stones for building a home; and he justifies its relevance to the second half as to say ‘embracing home’ in an intimate fashion.
Bartholomew’s interpretation is not convincing because these are themes already covered in verses 2 and 3 of this chapter. Seow’s (c), (d) and (e) is a more convincing read. As it fits perfectly with the second half of the verse. Because the word ‘embrace’ seems to have a direct reference to ‘conjugal embrace’ (1 Cor 7:3-5, Joe 2:16). (Henry)
Comments: So, what does this verse actually mean? The safest interpretation would be to just refer to this verse as an expression of ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ activities of our lives. Our lives are punctuated by events of destruction and construction; i.e., negative and positive. (Seow) And it seems to fit with the larger dichotomy of words and expressions that Qoheleth seems to build throughout this chapter (so far). The wisdom is in understanding that even the things we hold intimately close to us is not for eternity; even ‘intimate’ things have a God appointed time. We should embrace life with the wise consideration of his sovereignty and value things from a theocentric perspective.
References:
Bartholomew, C. (2009). Ecclesiastes, Baker Academic
Henry, M. (1706). Commentary on the Whole Bible, Complete, Eccl. 3:1-10
Provan, I. (2001). Ecclesiastes/Song of Songs: The New Application Commentary, Zondervan
Seow, C.L. (1997). Ecclesiastes, Yale University Press
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