Headstone Quotes About Time

Time is at the heart of every headstone — two dates and the life between them. These lines reflect on time, seasons and making each day count.

Short epitaphs

• A life well lived.
• Every moment mattered.
• Time well spent.
• Our time together was a gift.
• Not the years in a life, but the life in the years.
• Too short, but full of love.

Scripture

• To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
• So teach us to number our days. (Psalm 90:12)
• My times are in thy hand. (Psalm 31:15)

Public-domain poetry

• Time is / Too slow for those who wait, / Too swift for those who fear… / But for those who love, / Time is eternity. (Henry van Dyke)

See classic poems for headstones.

Designs

• Hourglass — see hourglass meaning.
• A clock stopped at a meaningful time.
• Seasons — a tree in four seasons.
• Sunrise and sunset — see rising sun meaning.

A note on sources

These quotations are scripture or works in the public domain, alongside original lines you're free to use.

Time on a couple's stone

For couples, time quotes often celebrate years together: "Fifty years, one heartbeat" or "Our time was never enough". Some couples add their wedding date and a clock stopped at the time of the ceremony. See wording for a couple married 50+ years.

Key Takeaways

• "A life well lived" is a timeless epitaph.
• Ecclesiastes 3:1 is the classic time verse.
• Henry van Dyke's "Time is" poem is a favourite.
• Hourglasses and clocks suit the theme.

Next Step

See headstone epitaph ideas.