Vanity translates the Hebrew word, הֶבֶל (hebel), which means mist or vapor. The Preacher uses this word to communicate meaningless, useless, fruitless, and empty. ‘Vanity of vanities’ is one of three phrases the Preacher uses to characterize what he observes. The other two phrases are ‘under the sun’ and ‘striving after wind.’ ‘Under the sun’ refers to the fallen creation characterized by disorder, decay, and dysfunction. ‘Striving after wind’ expresses frustration and fruitlessness.

Introducing Ecclesiastes (1 of 5)

Does it ever seem like life doesn’t make sense? It gets all the more confusing for us when we believe there is an all-wise, all-powerful, all-good God who governs all that comes to pass, a God we know as our Heavenly Father.

The Preacher in Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth) sees the same things we do in life. He sees the tragedies, the injustices, the frustrations, and the discouragement. Over the course of his life he has collected observations and stories, and has come to a conclusion. In fact, he leads with it: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccl. 1:2).

The Preacher uses the word ‘vanity’ five times in that one verse. He doesn’t just say vanity; he says “vanity of vanities.” It reminds us of how the Bible describes the inner sanctum of God’s temple as the ‘holy of holies’— the Most Holy Place. Vanity of Vanities—vanity in the extreme, the superlative of vanity.

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