What is the meaning of Vanity, Vanities in the Bible?
The Hebrew word hevel and the Greek word mataiotēs, translated as 'vanity' or 'vapor,' convey the concepts of transience, emptiness, and futility within biblical texts. The Revised Version provides alternative translations for these terms to better reflect their original semantic range regarding the ephemeral quality of human existence.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the literal meaning of 'vanity' as 'vapor' or 'breath' clarifies the philosophical argument in Ecclesiastes that material achievements are temporary, thereby guiding readers to interpret the text's conclusions about finding meaning beyond transient worldly gains.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.