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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 1:2 "Futility of futilities," says the Teacher, "futility of futilities! Everything is futile!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/21_Ecc_01_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Everything is Futile" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! 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/1-2.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/1-2.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 2</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="/ad2.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/1-1.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 1:1">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 1:2 <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 1:3">►</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/1.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/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Meaningless! Meaningless!&#8221 says the Teacher. &#8220Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/1.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/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all <i>is</i> vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all <i>is</i> vanity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Futility of futilities,” says the Preacher, “Futility of futilities! All is futility.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Vanity of vanities,&#8221 says the Preacher, &#8220Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “Vanity of vanities! All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity [futile, meaningless—a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes, merely chasing the wind].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Absolute futility,&#8221 says the Teacher.&#8221 Absolute futility. Everything is futile.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Nothing makes sense! Everything is nonsense. I have seen it all--nothing makes sense! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Absolutely pointless!" says the spokesman. "Absolutely pointless! Everything is pointless."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is useless, useless, said the Philosopher. Life is useless, all useless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Utterly pointless," says the Teacher. "Absolutely pointless; everything is pointless."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Futility of futilities,? says the Teacher, ?futility of futilities! Everything is futile!?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Futile! Futile!" laments the Teacher, "Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, vanity of vanities: the whole [is] vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, Vanity of vanities: the whole is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said the preacher; vanity of vanities, all vanity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said Ecclesiastes vanity of vanities, and all is vanity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Ecclesiastes said: Vanity of vanities! Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/1.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/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, saith Koheleth; Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Vanity of vanities, said the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/1-2.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=5" 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/1.htm">Everything is Futile</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>These are the words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem: <span class="reftext">2</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: qō·he·leṯ (N-ms) -- Feminine of active participle from qahal; a assembler: abstractly, preaching.">the Teacher,</a> <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/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><span class="reftext">3</span>What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun?…<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="/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="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5-6</a></span><br />You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah / Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</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.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Psalm 144:4</a></span><br />Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a></span><br />A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-17.htm">1 John 2:17</a></span><br />The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-16.htm">Job 7:16</a></span><br />I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Philippians 3:8</a></span><br />More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Psalm 62:9</a></span><br />Lowborn men are but a vapor; the exalted are but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-18.htm">2 Corinthians 4:18</a></span><br />So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Proverbs 31:30</a></span><br />Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”</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, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11,15,17,19,21,23,26</a></b></br> Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all <i>was</i> vanity and vexation of spirit, and <i>there was</i> no profit under the sun… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:19</a></b></br> For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all <i>is</i> vanity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:4,8,16</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/1-1.htm">Koheleth</a> <a href="/job/27-12.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">Preacher</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/psalms/119-51.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Vanities</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Koheleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Preacher</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/songs/8-7.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-7.htm">Vanities</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm">the preacher shows that all human courses are vain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">because the creatures are restless in their courses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-9.htm">they bring forth nothing new, and all old things are forgotten</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-12.htm">and because he has found it so in the studies of wisdom</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Futility of futilities,”</b><br>The phrase "futility of futilities" is a superlative expression, emphasizing the utmost degree of futility. This mirrors the Hebrew literary style of using repetition for emphasis, similar to "Holy of Holies" or "Song of Songs." The term "futility" (often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness") is derived from the Hebrew word "hevel," which can mean vapor or breath, suggesting something transient and insubstantial. This reflects the fleeting nature of human endeavors and life itself, a theme prevalent throughout Ecclesiastes. The use of this phrase sets the tone for the book, which explores the limitations of human wisdom and the temporary nature of worldly pursuits.<p><b>says the Teacher,</b><br>The "Teacher" (Hebrew "Qoheleth") is traditionally understood to be Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom. The term "Teacher" implies one who gathers or assembles, possibly referring to someone who gathers people to impart wisdom. Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, allowing him the opportunity to explore philosophical and existential questions. His position and experiences lend authority to his reflections on the futility of life. The Teacher's role is to guide the reader through a contemplation of life's purpose and the pursuit of meaning beyond earthly achievements.<p><b>“futility of futilities!</b><br>The repetition of "futility of futilities" underscores the pervasive nature of the theme. It suggests that not only are individual pursuits futile, but the entirety of human experience is marked by futility. This echoes the sentiment found in other wisdom literature, such as Job and Proverbs, where the limitations of human understanding and the unpredictability of life are acknowledged. The phrase invites readers to consider the broader implications of their actions and the ultimate purpose of life under the sun.<p><b>Everything is futile!”</b><br>The declaration that "everything is futile" extends the concept of futility to all aspects of life. This includes wealth, pleasure, work, and wisdom, all of which are explored in the subsequent chapters of Ecclesiastes. The Teacher's conclusion challenges the reader to look beyond the temporal and seek meaning in the eternal. This perspective is consistent with the biblical narrative that emphasizes the transient nature of the world and the enduring significance of a relationship with God. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, as seen in passages like <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which compares life to a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes. The futility described here points to the need for divine intervention and the hope found in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life and purpose beyond the temporal.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_teacher.htm">The Teacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>Traditionally understood to be Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, who is attributed as the author of Ecclesiastes. He is known for his wisdom and wealth, and he reflects on the meaning of life in this book.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which Solomon reigned. It serves as the backdrop for the reflections and teachings found in Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel and the center of worship and governance during Solomon's reign. It is where Solomon's reflections would have been most directly experienced and shared.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_futility.htm">Understanding Futility</a></b><br>The Hebrew word "hebel" (translated as "futility" or "vanity") suggests a breath or vapor, 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>Encourage believers to focus on eternal values and the kingdom of God, rather than being consumed by the temporary concerns of this world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_christ.htm">Contentment in Christ</a></b><br>True contentment and purpose are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life and hope beyond the futility of this world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_priorities.htm">Wisdom in Priorities</a></b><br>Use the wisdom of Ecclesiastes to evaluate personal priorities and ensure they align with God's will and eternal purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_spiritual_emptiness.htm">What defines spiritual emptiness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'everything_is_meaningless'_mean.htm">What does "Everything is Meaningless" signify?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_black_pill_mean.htm">What does the black pill mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_'all_is_vanity'.htm">What is the meaning of "All Is Vanity"?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Vanity of vanities.--</span>This verse strikes the key-note of the whole work. In using this expression we mean to indicate the opinion that the unity of the book is rather that of a musical composition than of a philosophical treatise. A leading theme is given out and followed for a time. Episodes are introduced, not perhaps logically connected with the original subject, but treated in harmony with it, and leading back to the original theme which is never lost sight of, and with which the composition comes to a close (<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm" title="Vanity of vanities, said the preacher; all is vanity.">Ecclesiastes 12:8</a>).<p>The word translated "vanity" (which occurs thirty-seven times in this book, and only thirty-three times in all the rest of the Old Testament) in its primary meaning denotes breath or vapour, and is so translated here in some of the Greek versions (comp. <a href="/james/4-4.htm" title="You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.">James 4:4</a>); so in <a href="/isaiah/57-13.htm" title="When you cry, let your companies deliver you; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that puts his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;">Isaiah 57:13</a>. It is the same word as the proper name Abel, on which see Note on <a href="/genesis/4-2.htm" title="And she again bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.">Genesis 4:2</a>. It is frequently applied in Scripture to the follies of heathenism (<a href="/jeremiah/14-22.htm" title="Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? are not you he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait on you: for you have made all these things.">Jeremiah 14:22</a>, &c), and also to the whole estate of men (<a href="/context/psalms/39-5.htm" title="Behold, you have made my days as an handbreadth; and my age is as nothing before you: truly every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.">Psalm 39:5-6</a>; <a href="/psalms/62-9.htm" title="Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.">Psalm 62:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/144-4.htm" title="Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passes away.">Psalm 144:4</a>). The translation "vanity<span class= "ital">" </span>is that of the LXX. We may reasonably believe that St. Paul (<a href="/romans/8-20.htm" title="For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected the same in hope,">Romans 8:20</a>) had this key-note of Ecclesiastes in his mind. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 2-11.</span> - PROLOGUE. The vanity of all human and mundane things, and the oppressive monotony of their continued recurrence. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Vanity of vanities, saith the</span> <span class="cmt_word">Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity</span> (comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:8</a>). "Vanity" is <span class="accented">hebel</span>, which means "breath," and is used metaphorically of anything transitory, frail, unsatisfying. We have it in the proper name Abel, an appropriate designation of the youth whose life was cut short by a brother's murderous hand. "Vanity of vanities," like "heaven of heavens" (<a href="/1_kings/8-27.htm">1 Kings 8:27</a>), "song of songs" (<a href="/songs/1-1.htm">Song of Solomon 1:1</a>), etc., is equivalent to a superlative, "most utterly vain." It is here an exclamation, and is to be regarded as the key-note of the whole subsequent treatise, which is merely the development of this text. Septuagint, <span class="greek">ματαιότης</span> <span class="greek">ματαιοτήτων</span>; other Greek translators, <span class="greek">ἀτμὶς</span> <span class="greek">ἀτμίδων</span>, "vapor of vapors." For "saith" the Vulgate gives <span class="accented">dixit</span>; the Septuagint, <span class="greek">εϊπεν</span>; but as there is no reference to any previous utterance of the Preacher, the present is more suitable here. In affirming that "all is vanity," the writer is referring to human and mundane things, and directs not his view beyond such phenomena. Such reflection is common in sacred and profane writings alike; such experience is universal (comp. <a href="/genesis/47-9.htm">Genesis 47:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5-7</a>; <a href="/psalms/90-3.htm">Psalm 90:3-10</a>; <a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14</a>). "Pulvis et umbra sumus," says Horace ('Carm.,' 4:7. 16. "O curas hominum! O quantum est in rebus inane!" (Persius, 'Sat.,' 1:1). If Dean Plumptre is correct in contending that the Book of Wisdom was written to rectify the deductions which might be drawn from Koheleth, we may contrast the caution of the apocryphal writer, who predicates vanity, not of all things, but only of the hope of the ungodly, which he likens to dust, froth, and smoke (see Wisd. 2:1, etc.; 5:14). St. Paul (<a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20</a>) seems to have had Ecclesiastes in mind when he spoke of the creation being subjected to vanity (<span class="greek">τῇ</span> <span class="greek">ματαιότητι</span>), as a consequence of the fall of man, not to be remedied till the final restitution of all things. "But a man will say, If all things are vain and vanity, wherefore were they made? If they are God's works, how are they vain? But it is not the works of God which he calls vain. God forbid! The heaven is not vain; the earth is not vain: God forbid! Nor the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, nor our own body. No; all these are very good. But what is vain? Man's works, pomp, and vain-glory. These came not from the hand of God, but are of our own creating. And they are vain because they have no useful end That is called vain which is expected indeed to possess value, yet possesses it not; that which men call empty, as when they speak of 'empty hopes,' and that which is fruitless. And generally that is called vain which is of no use. Let us see, then, whether all human things are not of this sort" (St. Chrysostom, 'Hem. 12. in Ephes.'). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/1-2.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">הֲבֵ֤ל</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">הֲבָלִים֙</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">אָמַ֣ר</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">קֹהֶ֔לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(qō·he·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">“futility</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲבֵ֥ל</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">הֲבָלִ֖ים</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">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/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 1:2 Vanity of vanities says the Preacher (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 1:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 1:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 1:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 1:3" /></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>