Definition and Etymology:
The term "Hebel" (Hebrew: הֶבֶל) is a multifaceted word found in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "vanity," "breath," or "meaninglessness." It is derived from a root that conveys the idea of vapor or breath, symbolizing something transient, fleeting, or insubstantial.

Biblical Usage:
Hebel is most prominently featured in the Book of Ecclesiastes, where it is used to express the futility and ephemeral nature of human endeavors and life itself. The phrase "Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2) encapsulates the central theme of the book, where "vanity" is the translation of "hebel."

Theological Significance:
In Ecclesiastes, Hebel is employed to underscore the limitations of human wisdom and the elusive nature of true fulfillment apart from God. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on the various pursuits of life—wisdom, pleasure, work, and wealth—and concludes that they are ultimately "hebel," lacking lasting value when disconnected from a divine perspective.

Other Biblical References:
While Ecclesiastes is the primary text where Hebel is explored in depth, the term appears in other parts of the Old Testament. In Psalm 39:5, David reflects on the brevity of life, stating, "Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Truly, each man at his best exists as but a breath" , where "breath" is a translation of "hebel."

Interpretation in Conservative Christian Thought:
From a conservative Christian perspective, Hebel serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of earthly life and the importance of seeking eternal significance through a relationship with God. The transient nature of worldly pursuits is contrasted with the eternal truths found in Scripture, encouraging believers to focus on spiritual growth and the promises of God.

Practical Application:
The concept of Hebel challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and the pursuits that dominate their lives. It calls for a reorientation towards values that align with God's eternal purposes, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects His glory and advances His kingdom. By recognizing the "hebel" of worldly endeavors, Christians are encouraged to invest in what is lasting and meaningful, such as faith, love, and service to others.6. Habel -- Abel, a son of Adam
... Word Origin of Hebrew origin Hebel Definition Abel, a son of Adam NASB Word Usage
Abel (4). Abel. Of Hebrew origin (Hebel); Abel, the son of Adam -- Abel. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/6.htm - 6k1893. Hebel -- the second son of Adam
Hebel or Habel. 1892, 1893. Hebel or Habel. 1894 . the second son of Adam.
Transliteration: Hebel or Habel Phonetic Spelling: (heh ...
/hebrew/1893.htm - 6k

1892. hebel -- vapor, breath
... 1891, 1892. hebel. 1893 . vapor, breath. Transliteration: hebel Phonetic Spelling:
(heh'bel) Short Definition: vanity. ... 1891, 1892. hebel. 1893 . ...
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1891. habal -- to act emptily, become vain
... Word Origin denominative verb from hebel Definition to act emptily, become vain
NASB Word Usage act foolishly (1), became empty (1), became vain (1), leading ...
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1894. hobni -- ebony (a kind of wood)
... Short Definition: ebony. Word Origin from Hebel Definition ebony (a kind
of wood) NASB Word Usage ebony (1). ebony. Only in plural ...
/hebrew/1894.htm - 6k

Footnotes
... 765 ii.5, 11; viii.19 (?); xiv.22; xvi.19, 20; xviii.15; xxxii.30 (?), etc. Bubble,
Hebrew hebel, lit. breath, usually rendered vanity by our versions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/footnotes.htm

Hebel (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hebel (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:29 and the border
turned to Ramah, and to the fortified city of Tyre; and ...
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Heber (13 Occurrences)

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Mahalab (1 Occurrence)
... the border turned to Ramah, and to the fortified city of Tyre; and the border turned
to Hosah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea from Hebel to Achzib ...
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Turns (80 Occurrences)
... the border turned to Ramah, and to the fortified city of Tyre; and the border turned
to Hosah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea from Hebel to Achzib ...
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Heavy-laden (1 Occurrence)
Heavy-laden. Heavy, Heavy-laden. Hebel . Multi-Version Concordance Heavy-laden
(1 Occurrence). ... (See NAS). Heavy, Heavy-laden. Hebel . Reference Bible.
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