הָ֑בֶל
𐤄𐤁𐤋
hebel
vain
Breath, 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.
vulu "air, wind" (Luvale) · vulu "air" (Chokwe) · ovulu "air, wind" (Umbundu) +2 moreLamentations 4:17 · Word #7
Lexicon H1892
| Lemma | הֶבֶל |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤄𐤁𐤋 |
| Transliteration | hebel |
| Strong's | H1892 |
| Definition | Breath, 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. |
Morphology HNcmsa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | s — Singular — Singular |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
Common Translation
| Phrase | vain |
SIBI-P1 Translation H1892-06
fleeting vapor
| Morphological Notes | Masculine singular noun, absolute form. |
| Rendering Rationale | The noun הֶבֶל derives from the root meaning "to breathe" or "to vanish," denoting something like breath or vapor that quickly dissipates. "Fleeting vapor" preserves both the concrete image and the extended sense of insubstantiality in singular form. |
View full lexicon entry for H1892 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
fleeting vapor
| Same as P1 | Yes |
| Rationale | P1 retains the metaphorical nuance of 'hevel' and expresses the insubstantial quality, aligning with SILEX; no change warranted. |
Bantu Hebrew
הָ֑בֶל (hebel) — Breath, 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.