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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 12:8 "Futility of futilities," says the Teacher. "Everything is futile!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/21_Ecc_12_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 12:8 - Remember Your Creator" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Futility of futilities, says the Teacher. Everything is futile!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 12:7">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 12:8 <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 12:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Meaningless! Meaningless!&#8221 says the Teacher. &#8220Everything is meaningless!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all <i>is</i> vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “All <i>is</i> vanity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Futility of futilities,” says the Preacher, “all is futility!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Vanity of vanities,&#8221 says the Preacher, &#8220all is vanity!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity (futility).”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Absolute futility,&#8221 says the Teacher. &#8220Everything is futile.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Nothing makes sense. I have seen it all--nothing makes sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Absolutely pointless!" says the spokesman. "Everything is pointless!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Useless, useless, said the Philosopher. It is all useless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Utterly pointless," says the Teacher. "Everything is pointless."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Futility of futilities,? says the Teacher. ?Everything is futile!?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Absolutely futile!" laments the Teacher, "All of these things are futile!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities saith the preacher; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “All is vanity!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said the preacher, the whole [is] vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Vanity of vanities, said the preacher, the whole is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said the preacher; all is vanity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said Ecclesiastes, and all things are vanity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said Ecclesiastes, and all is vanity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher; all is vanity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Futility of futilities, says the Preacher; futility of futilities, everything is futility!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith Koheleth; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=2202" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Remember Your Creator</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: hă·ḇêl (N-msc) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">“Futility</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: hă·ḇā·lîm (N-mp) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">of futilities,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says</a> <a href="/hebrew/6953.htm" title="6953: haq·qō·w·he·leṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- Feminine of active participle from qahal; a assembler: abstractly, preaching.">the Teacher.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: hak·kōl (Art:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">“Everything</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: hā·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">is futile!”</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2</a></span><br />“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a></span><br />I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11</a></span><br />Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17</a></span><br />So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:26</a></span><br />To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:19</a></span><br />For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:4</a></span><br />I saw that all labor and success spring from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a></span><br />For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6</a></span><br />For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14</a></span><br />There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:9</a></span><br />Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:8</a></span><br />So if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20</a></span><br />For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Vanity of vanities, said the preacher; all is vanity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2,14</a></b></br> Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all <i>is</i> vanity… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:17</a></b></br> Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun <i>is</i> grievous unto me: for all <i>is</i> vanity and vexation of spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:4</a></b></br> Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This <i>is</i> also vanity and vexation of spirit.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Koheleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-8.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Preacher</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-10.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-28.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Vanities</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-10.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Koheleth</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-13.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Preacher</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-19.htm">Vanities</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-18.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-1.htm">the Creator is to be remembered in due time</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">The preacher's care to edify</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">the fear of God is the chief antidote for vanity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Futility of futilities,”</b><br>This phrase echoes the Hebrew expression "hevel hevelim," which is often translated as "vanity of vanities." The term "hevel" can mean breath, vapor, or something transient and insubstantial. It suggests the fleeting and elusive nature of life and human endeavors. This expression is a superlative, emphasizing the utmost degree of futility. The repetition underscores the theme of the book, which is the search for meaning in a world that often seems meaningless. This concept is reminiscent of the transient nature of life as described in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, where life is compared to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<p><b>says the Teacher.</b><br>The "Teacher" or "Qoheleth" is traditionally understood to be Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, known for his wisdom. The term "Qoheleth" can mean one who gathers or assembles, possibly referring to someone who gathers wisdom or an assembly of people. Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, allowing him the opportunity to explore various philosophies and pursuits. His position as king and his experiences lend authority to his observations about the futility of worldly pursuits. The Teacher's role is to impart wisdom, much like the role of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as a teacher and who imparts spiritual wisdom in the New Testament.<p><b>“Everything is futile!”</b><br>This declaration encapsulates the central message of Ecclesiastes, which is the futility of life when viewed from a purely earthly perspective. The Teacher examines various aspects of life—wealth, pleasure, work, and wisdom—and finds them lacking in ultimate meaning. This conclusion points to the limitations of human understanding and the need for divine revelation. The statement challenges readers to look beyond the temporal and seek eternal significance. In the broader biblical context, this futility is contrasted with the hope and purpose found in a relationship with God, as seen in passages like <a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20-21</a>, where creation is subjected to futility but is also promised redemption through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_teacher.htm">The Teacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>Traditionally identified as King Solomon, the Teacher is the central figure in Ecclesiastes, sharing wisdom and reflections on the meaning of life.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The setting for much of Solomon's life and reign, Jerusalem is the backdrop for the Teacher's observations and teachings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly</a></b><br>The audience to whom the Teacher speaks, representing the people of Israel and, by extension, all readers seeking wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_futility.htm">Understanding Futility</a></b><br>The Hebrew word "hevel" (translated as "futility" or "vanity") suggests a vapor or breath, emphasizing the transient and elusive nature of worldly pursuits.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perspective_on_life.htm">Perspective on Life</a></b><br>Recognize that earthly achievements and possessions are temporary and cannot provide ultimate fulfillment or meaning.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_focus.htm">Eternal Focus</a></b><br>Shift focus from temporal to eternal values, seeking purpose and satisfaction in a relationship with God rather than in material success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_priorities.htm">Wisdom in Priorities</a></b><br>Prioritize spiritual growth and obedience to God over the pursuit of wealth, status, or pleasure.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_christ.htm">Hope in Christ</a></b><br>While life may seem futile, believers find hope and purpose in Jesus Christ, who redeems and gives eternal significance to our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'all_is_vanity'_contradict_purpose.htm">In Ecclesiastes 12:8, does the statement “all is vanity” contradict the idea of purpose found elsewhere in the Bible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_boast_about_your_own_achievements.htm">What gain is there in chasing after the wind?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_tibetan_buddhism's_core_tenets.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on vanity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_nihilism_philosophically.htm">What defines nihilism as a philosophical concept?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - It has been much questioned whether this verse is the conclusion of the treatise or the commencement of the epilogue. For the latter conclusion it is contended that it is only natural that the beginning of the final summing-up should start with the same words as the opening of the book (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2</a>); and that thus the conjunction "and," with which ver. 9 begins, is readily explained. But the treatise is more artistically completed by regarding this solemn utterance as the conclusion of the whole, ending with the same burden with which it began - the nothingness of earthly things. Koheleth has labored to show this, he has pursued the thought from beginning to end, through all circumstances and conditions, and he can only re-echo his melancholy refrain. <span class="cmt_word">Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher.</span> He does not follow the destiny of the immortal spirit; it is not his purpose to do so; his theme is the fragility of mortal things, their unsatisfying nature, the impossibility of their securing man's happiness: so his voyage lands him at the point whence he set forth, though he has learned and taught faith in the interval. If all is vanity, there is behind and above all a God of inflexible justice, who must do right, and to whom we may safely trust our cares and perplexities. <span class="accented">Koheleth," Preacher</span>," here has the article, <span class="accented">the Koheleth</span>, as if some special reference was made to the meaning of the name - he who has been debating, or haranguing, or gathering together, utters finally his careful verdict. This is the sentence of the ideal Solomon, who has given his experiences in the preceding pages. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Futility</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲבֵ֧ל</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ḇêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of futilities,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲבָלִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ḇā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">says</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Teacher.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקּוֹהֶ֖לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qō·w·he·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6953.htm">Strong's 6953: </a> </span><span class="str2">Preacher -- 'a collector (of sentences)', 'a preacher', a son of David</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Everything</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is futile!”</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽבֶל׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 12:8 Vanity of vanities says the Preacher (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 12:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 12:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 12:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 12:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>