The
key term hebel
Since the frame narrator claims Qohelet
chose his words with great care (12:9-10), the particular words used in
Ecclesiastes are significant for interpreting the author’s message. The Hebrew
term hebel occurs nearly 40 times[1]
and, from its primary meaning ‘breath’[2]
is translated ‘vanity’ (KJV), ‘meaningless’[3]
(NIV), or ‘futility’ (HCSB). The prevalence of this word, together with
multiple mentions of death[4],
often sees Ecclesiastes labeled pessimistic.
Qohelet observes hebel in earthly situations: pleasure (2:1); achievements and
inheritance (2:11, 19, 21, 26; 4:4); wisdom (2:15) and foolishness (7:5-6);
work and striving (2:17, 23; 4:4); the fate of death (3:19; 11:8) and the days
of life (9:9); loneliness, wealth and discontent (4:7-8; 5:10; 6:2, 9);
succession politics (4:16); rash vows (5:7); the unknowable future (6:12; 11:8);
injustice (7:15; 8:10, 14); and youth (11:10). Whether hebel means futile[5]
or fleeting[6],
it is Qohelet’s account of ‘everything’ (1:2; 2:11; 3:19; 12:8). But it is vital
to recognize that Qohelet never applies the term to God’s gift of joy nor to
fearing God. Rather, his intent appears to be ‘first, to show where happiness
could not be found.’[7] Qohelet’s
observations here are similar to Isaiah’s comments regarding the futility of
idolatry, and may be taken as a commentary on Isaiah 57:13 (also featuring the
word hebel[8]):
‘Let your collection of idols save you!
The wind will
carry all of them off,
a mere breath will blow them away.’
Certainly this is cynicism in a high degree, but it must
also be admitted that Qohelet’s pessimism is limited in scope to specific earthly
idols through which people seek meaning. It does not apply to joy found in the
simple life lived in fear of God.
[1]
Schultz p. 212
[2]
Weeks p. 79-80
[3]
Fox argues for a definition of ‘absurd … counter-rational.’ (Fox p. xix)
[4]
Enns p. 127
[5]
useless, profitless, without purpose, ‘under the impact of death’ (Webb p. 93),
unproductive (Fox p. xix). Goswell relates the ‘futility’ of Ecclesiastes to
its reading at the Feast of Tabernacles (Goswell p. 686).
[6]
transient, temporary (Fredericks & Estes p. 32; cf Schultz p. 212);
transitory, passing, of no lasting significance (Webb p. 93, 95), ephemeral
(Fox, p. xix)
[7]
Welton p. 186
[8]
e.g. Isaiah 57:13, Weeks p. 80-81
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