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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hebel**, represented by `{{H1892}}`, describes **emptiness or vanity**. It appears **73 times** across **64 unique verses**, primarily to denote something transitory, unsatisfactory, and without lasting substance. Figuratively, it points to the fleeting and often futile nature of life and human endeavors apart from God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H1892}}` is a central theme of the book of Ecclesiastes, which opens with the declaration, "**Vanity** of **vanities**, saith the Preacher, **vanity** of **vanities**; all is **vanity**" [[Ecclesiastes 1:2]]. The term is used to describe the futility of various pursuits, from the accumulation of wealth ([[Proverbs 13:11]], [[Ecclesiastes 5:10]]) to a life spent in toil that ultimately yields no lasting profit [[Ecclesiastes 2:11]]. The prophets frequently use **hebel** to condemn idolatry, describing idols as powerless **vanities** that provoke God to anger [[Deuteronomy 32:21]] and are ultimately "the work of errors" [[Jeremiah 10:15]]. Life itself is characterized as **vain**, with man's days passing like a shadow ([[Ecclesiastes 6:12]], [[Psalms 144:4]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of **hebel**:
* `{{H1891}}` **hâbal**: This is the root verb, meaning **to be vain in act, word, or expectation**. It highlights the action of becoming empty, as seen when the Israelites "followed **vanity** `{{H1892}}`, and became **vain** `{{H1891}}`" [[2 Kings 17:15]].
* `{{H7469}}` **rᵉʻûwth**: Defined as **a feeding upon, i.e. grasping after; vexation**. This word is frequently paired with **hebel** in Ecclesiastes to describe the frustrating nature of worldly efforts, as in "**vanity** and **vexation** of spirit" [[Ecclesiastes 1:14]].
* `{{H8267}}` **sheqer**: This term means **an untruth; by implication, a sham**. It connects **hebel** to falsehood and deception, as seen in [[Proverbs 31:30]], which states that "Favour is **deceitful** `{{H8267}}`, and beauty is **vain** `{{H1892}}`."
* `{{H8414}}` **tôhûw**: Meaning **a desolation... a worthless thing;... in vain**. It describes a state of utter emptiness, used alongside **hebel** to express the futility of labor without God's blessing [[Isaiah 49:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1892}}` is most profoundly felt in its critique of a godless existence.
* **Critique of Idolatry:** **Hebel** is consistently used to expose the powerlessness of idols. They are described as **vanities** that cannot bring rain [[Jeremiah 14:22]] or provide comfort [[Zechariah 10:2]]. To follow them is to pursue emptiness and become empty in turn [[Jeremiah 2:5]].
* **The Transience of Human Life:** The word underscores the temporary and fragile nature of human existence. Man's days are "vanity" [[Job 7:16]], and at his best state, he is "altogether **vanity**" [[Psalms 39:5]]. Even youth and childhood are ultimately fleeting [[Ecclesiastes 11:10]].
* **Futility of Worldly Labor:** Ecclesiastes uses **hebel** to demonstrate that labor, wisdom, and pleasure, when pursued as ultimate ends, are meaningless. The Preacher concludes that looking at all the works his hands had done, "behold, all was **vanity** and vexation of spirit" [[Ecclesiastes 2:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1892}}` is a foundational concept in biblical wisdom and prophecy. It serves as a stark reminder that life, wealth, and human efforts are transitory and unsatisfactory when disconnected from their divine source. From the futility of idols that cannot save to the fleeting nature of a life lived "under the sun," **hebel** forces a reevaluation of what holds true substance, pointing away from the empty and toward that which is eternal.
TRV