A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Wesley's Notes

3:2 To die - And as there is a time to die, so there is a time to rise again, a set time when they that lie in the grave shall be remembered.

King James Translators' Notes

to be...: Heb. to bear

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2. time to die-(Ps 31:15; Heb 9:27).

plant-A man can no more reverse the times and order of "planting," and of "digging up," and transplanting, than he can alter the times fixed for his "birth" and "death." To try to "plant" out of season is vanity, however good in season; so to make earthly things the chief end is vanity, however good they be in order and season. Gill takes it, not so well, figuratively (Jer 18:7, 9; Am 9:15; Mt 15:13).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

3:1-10 To expect unchanging happiness in a changing world, must end in disappointment. To bring ourselves to our state in life, is our duty and wisdom in this world. God's whole plan for the government of the world will be found altogether wise, just, and good. Then let us seize the favourable opportunity for every good purpose and work. The time to die is fast approaching. Thus labour and sorrow fill the world. This is given us, that we may always have something to do; none were sent into the world to be idle.