### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rîyq**, represented by `{{H7385}}`, describes **emptiness** and worthlessness. It appears 12 times across 12 unique verses. Figuratively, it denotes a worthless thing, and adverbially it is used to mean in vain or to no purpose, highlighting actions or states that lack substance, value, or a successful outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical contexts, `{{H7385}}` is used to illustrate futility in various forms. It describes the worthless plotting of the nations who "imagine a vain thing" against the LORD [[Psalms 2:1]]. It is also used as a consequence of disobedience, where God warns that the people's strength will be spent "in vain" and their seed sown "in vain" ([[Leviticus 26:20]], [[Leviticus 26:16]]). The prophet Isaiah laments feeling he has "laboured in vain" [[Isaiah 49:4]], and the psalmist questions if he has cleansed his heart "in vain" [[Psalms 73:13]]. The word can also describe a state of being plundered, as when Jeremiah speaks of being made an "empty vessel" by Babylon [[Jeremiah 51:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of futility and emptiness:
* `{{H1892}}` **hebel** (emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory): This word is often used to emphasize the absolute pointlessness of an action. It appears alongside `{{H7385}}` to describe both vain help and futile labor ([[Isaiah 30:7]], [[Isaiah 49:4]]).
* `{{H3021}}` **yâgaʻ** (to be exhausted, to tire, to toil): This term frequently describes the physical act of laboring that results in vanity. It is used to describe the efforts of those building Babylon who "labour in vain" [[Jeremiah 51:58]] and is contrasted with the promise that God's people "shall not labour in vain" [[Isaiah 65:23]].
* `{{H3286}}` **yâʻaph** (to tire (as if from wearisome flight); faint, cause to fly, (be) weary (self)): This word is paired with `{{H7385}}` to depict the exhaustion that comes from pointless effort, as when people "shall weary themselves for very vanity" [[Habakkuk 2:13]].
* `{{H7283}}` **râgash** (a primitive root; to be tumultuous; rage): This verb describes the action of the heathen in [[Psalms 2:1]], whose raging culminates in imagining a "vain thing" `{{H7385}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7385}}` is significant, highlighting the contrast between human effort and divine purpose.
* **The Curse of Futile Labor:** Disobedience to God leads to a state where all effort is "in vain." Sowing seed, spending strength, and even bringing forth children can become exercises in futility under God's judgment ([[Leviticus 26:16]], [[Isaiah 65:23]]). The toil of the wicked nations ultimately amounts to vanity [[Habakkuk 2:13]].
* **The Vanity of Rebelling Against God:** The word is used to characterize the plans of those who oppose God. The raging of the heathen and the plotting of the people are dismissed as a "vain thing" [[Psalms 2:1]], and loving "vanity" is condemned as turning glory into shame [[Psalms 4:2]].
* **God as the Source of Purpose:** The ultimate antidote to vain labor is God himself. Even when the prophet feels his efforts are "in vain," he affirms that his "judgment is with the LORD" [[Isaiah 49:4]]. The promise for God's blessed people is that they "shall not labour in vain" [[Isaiah 65:23]], showing that true, lasting purpose is a gift from God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7385}}` is more than a simple descriptor of emptiness. It is a powerful theological concept illustrating the worthlessness of human endeavors apart from God. Whether describing the rebellious plans of nations, the cursed labor of the disobedient, or the personal despair of a servant, **rîyq** consistently points to a lack of substance and purpose. It starkly contrasts the futility of a life lived for vain pursuits with the meaningful, productive existence promised to those who align with God's will.
TRV