Vanity

Concept

Vanity (Hebrew hebel, "breath" or "vapor"; Greek mataiotes) designates what is insubstantial, futile, or transient — the characteristic word of Ecclesiastes, which opens and closes with the declaration "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity" (Eccl. 1:2; 12:8). The Preacher applies the word to toil, pleasure, wisdom gained apart from God, wealth, and human life itself (Eccl. 2:11; 3:19; 6:12): apart from God, every human achievement evaporates like morning mist. The Psalms characterize humanity's existence in similar terms (Ps. 39:5–6; 62:9; 144:4). In Paul's theology, creation itself was subjected to mataiotes — futility — at the fall, awaiting liberation at the redemption of creation (Rom. 8:20). The NT also condemns the vanity of worldly wisdom that refuses to acknowledge God (1 Cor. 3:20; Eph. 4:17). The opposite of vanity is not achievement but the fear of the Lord and keeping his commandments — Ecclesiastes' concluding word (Eccl. 12:13). In this framework, only what is done in dependence on God and in his service carries lasting weight.