H1892 הֶבֶל hebel → ← H1891 הָבַל hâbal
5 languagesBreath, vapor, that which quickly passes or lacks substance; by extension, something fleeting, futile, insubstantial, or lacking real value. In many contexts, the term denotes transience, worthlessness, or the absence of lasting meaning, and is sometimes used metaphorically for things thought to be illusory, futile, or deceptive in their promise of significance.
Etymology
Root: הבל (h-b-l). The root fundamentally means 'to breathe,' 'to exhale,' or 'to vanish like breath.' The noun form הֶבֶל (hebel) develops concretely as 'breath' or 'vapor,' emphasizing what is insubstantial or evanescent. Over time, it acquires secondary abstract senses related to futility or emptiness. The root connotes a contrast between things that are solid, lasting, or dependable and those that are fleeting or insubstantial.