View All Biblical Expressions

Vanity/breath

Here’s what it means

Human life, labor, or earthly gain is fleeting, elusive, frustrating, or unable to provide lasting profit by itself.

Why the Bible says it this way

The writer uses a picture to explain one thing by describing it as another.

A helpful detail: The Hebrew image is vapor or breath. It does not mean every created thing is morally worthless.

Where it appears