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Vanity
I've long been drawn to the book of Ecclesiastes, but the real meaning of all
the references to vanity has long been elusive.
For example, the King James version of Ecclesiastes 1:2 says:
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is
vanity.
In our everyday English usage, the word vanity conveys an image of
excessive pride in oneself or in one's appearance, a picture of conceit and
perhaps even arrogance. But what did the author of the book of Ecclesiastes
actually have in mind?
When Jerome translated the Hebrew word hebel, he chose the Latin word
vanitas. And consequently, many bible translators have used the closest
English word, which is vanity.
Some recent translators have used words such as meaningless or futile to
translate the Hebrew word hebel, but I think that they have missed the
point.
Translation is a very imprecise art, so in order to learn more about the
original intent, it is often helpful to look at the text written in the author's
original language.
Here, for example, is Ecclesiastes 1:2 in Hebrew from the Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia:
The key feature in this verse, and in the entire book of Ecclesiastes, is the
repeated use of variations of the word hebel. So, rather than looking at
how Jerome translated that word, let's look at the ancient Semitic roots of the
word hebel.
The roots of the word hebel indicate vapor, fog, steam, breeze or
breath.
Note that there is a common thread running through all of these roots of the
word hebel, they all describe something that is transitory, ephemeral,
impermanent.
Indeed everything in this physical world is transitory, ephemeral and
impermanent. We often try to cling to things, and resist changes, but alas that
is wasted effort, like trying to chase the wind.
This is, I believe, the intent of the author of the book of Ecclesiastes...
not to make everything seem hopeless, but rather to point out that we can choose
to chase after the ephemeral ways of this impermanent world, or we can choose to
follow the eternal ways of God, living with unbounded love for God and for
one-another.
Chasing after the ephemeral ways of this world leads only to vexation,
confusion, and disappointment, while following the path of God and living a life
of joyful love brings eternal peace.
with love,
wahiduddin
Resources:
http://www.biblestudytools.net/
updated 18-Oct-2005
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