Time

‘ēṯ

The Hebrew ‘ēṯ (6256) occurs almost 300 times in the OT and is used to express several aspects, or kinds, of time: First, it is used of normal, usual events, such as: seasons of the year, as in the season for harvest (Job 5:26; Jer. 50:16), animal migration (Jer. 8:7), mating seasons (Gen. 31:10), and even a woman’s monthly “time” (Lev. 15:25).

Second, ‘ēṯ refers to an appropriate time for some specific event, such as one’s appointed time for death (Eccles. 7:17) or God’s appointed time for judgment (Ps. 21:9; 119:126). That latter idea underscores God’s sovereignty, as does His control over nature (Lev. 26:4; Job 38:32; Ps. 104:27; Eccles. 3:11).

Third, ‘ēṯ refers to a fixed or set time. Such times are known only by God (Jer. 8:12), although the “wise men” (astrologers) claimed to know such times (Esther 1:13).

Oh, how this word encourages us in many ways! It challenges us to godliness of life and a love for the Word of God. As the psalmist writes, it is this believer, who strives for godliness and loves the Word, who spiritually prospers, who “bringeth forth his fruit in his season” (Ps. 1:3). It also comforts us, for “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (9:9). Still more it reminds us of His sovereignty, for “[our] times are in [His] hand” (31:15). It then drives us to prayer and confession of sin, “For this shall every one that is godly pray unto [Him] in a time when [He] mayest be found” (32:6). It especially reminds us to “bless the Lord at all times,” that “his praise shall continually be in [our] mouth” (34:1). In the same vein, we “trust in him at all times” (62:8), having perfect confidence He will “cast me not off in the time of old age” (71:9), and will provide for us “in due season” (145:15).

Finally, it is significant that ‘ēṯ is often rendered kairos (2540G) in the Septuagint, which refers to a decisive or crucial place or point, such as a date. Of special note, then, is Paul’s counsel, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16), literally meaning to buy up all our time, every single moment, and devote it to God in growth and service, for it is sorely necessary in the depraved world in which we live.

Scriptures for Study: What is the promise of Psalm 106:3? What is the command of Galatians 6:9, 10 (“season” and “opportunity” are kairos).