King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Pointless! Pointless! - says Kohelet -Utterly meaningless! Nothing matters!
Berean Standard Bible:
“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!”
American Standard Version:
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Vanity{H1892} of vanities{H1892}, saith{H559} the Preacher{H6953}, vanity{H1892} of vanities{H1892}; all is vanity{H1892}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 144:4
- Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away.
Romans 8:20
- For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,
Psalms 39:5
- Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.
Psalms 39:6
- Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
- He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity.
Ecclesiastes 12:8
- ¶ Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all [is] vanity.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
- For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.
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Commentary for Ecclesiastes 1:2
Ecclesiastes 1:2, "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all [is] vanity," is a poignant introduction to the themes of the Book of Ecclesiastes, traditionally attributed to Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. This verse sets the tone for the entire book, which is a philosophical meditation on the meaning of life and the nature of human existence.
The term "vanity" here translates the Hebrew word "הֶבֶל" (hebel), which can also be understood as "breath," "vapor," or "something transient." The Preacher, or "Qoheleth" in Hebrew, is lamenting the fleeting, ephemeral quality of life and its pursuits. The repetition of "vanity of vanities" emphasizes the thoroughness and intensity of this perspective—it is not merely vanity but the ultimate expression of it.
Historically, the Book of Ecclesiastes is thought to have been written during the Hellenistic period, possibly in the third century BCE, a time when Jewish thought was engaging with Greek philosophy. The verse reflects a skeptical and somewhat pessimistic worldview, which was radical within the context of Jewish wisdom literature. It challenges the reader to consider the temporary nature of worldly achievements and possessions, questioning the ultimate value of wisdom, pleasure, and toil.
In summary, Ecclesiastes 1:2 encapsulates the book's exploration of life's meaning under the sun, where everything is transient and potentially meaningless without a greater, divine perspective. It invites readers to reflect on the temporal nature of human endeavors and to seek wisdom that transcends the ephemeral aspects of existence.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1892
There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הֶבֶל
Transliteration: hebel
Pronunciation: heh'bel
Description: or (rarely in the abs.) הֲבֵל; from הָבַל; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb; [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. - Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H6953
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קֹהֶלֶת
Transliteration: qôheleth
Pronunciation: ko-heh'-leth
Description: feminine of active participle from קָהַל; a (female) assembler (i.e. lecturer); abstractly, preaching (used as a 'nom de plume', Koheleth); preacher.