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Answer
In Ecclesiastes 1:2 and again in 12:8, we encounter this intriguing observation: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity” (ESV). Nowadays, when we hear the term vanity, we typically associate it with pride, conceit, and an exaggerated focus on oneself. However, in the book of Ecclesiastes, vanity is correctly interpreted as “meaningless,” as the New International Version puts it: “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’”
Vanity is a significant term in Ecclesiastes, appearing 34 times. The original Hebrew word conveys “breeze,” “breath,” or “vapor,” emphasizing the transient nature of things. It is translated as “meaningless,” “futility,” and “pointless” in various Bible versions. How did the biblical preacher’s earnest quest to find purpose in life lead him to the conclusion that human existence lacks meaning?
The author of Ecclesiastes, who identifies himself as the “Preacher” (KJV, ESV) or “Teacher” (NIV, HCSB), is King David’s son Solomon. To grasp Solomon’s assertion that “all is vanity,” we must examine the phrase in its literary context.
Ecclesiastes stands out from other biblical books. Penned by Solomon in his later years, its central theme is the futility of human endeavors and ambitions without God. During this phase of his life, Solomon sought to comprehend life through human logic and intellect. His inquiry was rooted in worldly wisdom drawn from observable facts in the physical realm.
Solomon might have been spiritually distant from God when composing Ecclesiastes or reflecting on such a period. Similar to many secular philosophers who lack God’s guidance and divine insight, Solomon concluded that life holds no significance. The human journey appears purposeless. Solomon’s pursuit proved fruitless due to a crucial turning point.
Tal detail—his pursuit was limited to the finite span of life humans experience here on earth. Apart from God, His revelation of Himself, and His purposes, our lives are indeed vacant and void of meaning. Anything that lacks eternal value has no real value at all.
Ecclesiastes addresses those times when life seems empty or doesn’t make sense. Our human experiences are often bewildering and confusing. Wicked people succeed while the righteous suffer, and horrible injustices are all around (Ecclesiastes 3:16; Ecclesiastes 4:1-5). Ultimately, life and all of our human endeavors are pointless in themselves. Like Solomon, if we look for meaning and purpose apart from God, our quest will end in frustration.
Only through a relationship with God in Jesus Christ do we discover our true purpose and destiny. God exists outside these momentary years of mortal life on earth, and in Him our future extends far beyond this finite world: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. », (John 3:16, NLT).
We are made in the image and likeness of God to be His representatives on the earth «And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. », (Genesis 1:26). In Him, we discover who we are and what we are made for: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do th
“The good things He planned for us long ago” «For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God ordained beforehand that we should walk in them.», (Ephesians 2:10, NLT). In the eyes of God, every human life holds tremendous value and significance. We are His most precious possessions and the focus of His attention (Deuteronomy 32:10; Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8). When God is active in our lives, He becomes our source and our treasure—the meaning and purpose of our lives. By focusing on “the things of heaven, not the things of earth,” we uncover “real life” that “is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3; NLT).
Like many humans, Solomon searched for meaning in life outside of God’s will and apart from His presence. His quest led to vanity, or emptiness. However, in Jesus Christ, who is “the way and the truth and the life” «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.», (John 14:6), the believer’s pursuit culminates in everything: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will provide all you need” «But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.», (Matthew 6:33, NLT). Through the Lord, our work holds meaning: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” «Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work.», (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”, (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT).
Solomon concluded Ecclesiastes in the same place where he began. “All is vanity” frames his journey, emphasizing the emptiness and futility of life without God. When we solely focus on this earthly life—“everything happening under the sun”—it may appear meaningless, “like chasing the wind” «I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. », (Ecclesiastes 1:14, NLT). However, when we know God through a relationship with Jesus Christ, we receive abundant life in His kingdom and a heavenly treasure surpassing all the world’s silver and gold (Acts 3:6;Matthew 6:19-21;1 John 5:11-13).
