הָבַל
𐤄𐤁𐤋
hâbal
H1891 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be empty or vain, to lack substance or result; to act or speak in a futile, inconsequential, or deceptive manner. The verb can express the state or action of being worthless, ineffective, or unsubstantial, and also carries the nuance of leading others astray through empty promises or deceitful actions.
Semantic Range
to be empty or vain, to speak or act in vain, to be ineffective, to lack substance, to lead astray through emptiness or vain promises, to act deceptively, to promote futility
Root / Etymology
Root: הבל. The root fundamentally conveys the quality of emptiness or vapor-like insubstantiality. The verb derives from the core notion of 'emptiness' or 'vanity,' but in usage it denotes a state or action—such as speaking or acting—in ways that are futile or deceptive. It is related to the noun הֶבֶל (hevel), meaning 'vapor,' 'breath,' or 'emptiness.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, הָבַל is a rare verb, primarily attested in poetic or sapiential contexts (e.g., Job 27:12). Its most characteristic sense is to express the futility of speech or action, much as the related noun הֶבֶל is used in Ecclesiastes to depict the transience and ultimate emptiness of human endeavors. The verb sometimes conveys the sense of leading astray through false or empty promises, especially in negative evaluations of idolatrous practice (cf. Jeremiah 2:5, which uses the cognate noun). The term underscores not just deceit but the hollowness of what is being offered or pursued. English translations often render the verb as 'act vainly,' 'deceive,' or 'lead astray,' but these renderings may not capture the nuance of futility and lack of substance central to its meaning. Over time, the term maintained its association with futility, echoing the broader biblical critique of worthless or deceptive actions, especially in wisdom literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray; be (become, make) vain.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
הבל (h-b-l) — emptiness, vanity, futility
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1891-03 |
וַ/יֶּהְבָּ֔לוּ | vayehebalu | HC/Vqw3mp |
and became vain | and they became empty | 2 | |
H1891-02 |
תֶּ֫הְבָּ֥לוּ | tehebalu | HVqj2mp |
do ye deal so vainly | may you act emptily | 2 | |
H1891-01 |
מַהְבִּלִ֥ים | mahebilim | HVhrmpa |
making-worthless | those causing emptiness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1891-03 |
2 Kings 17:15 | וַ/יֶּהְבָּ֔לוּ | vayehebalu | HC/Vqw3mp |
and they became vain | and they became empty | |
H1891-03 |
Jeremiah 2:5 | וַ/יֶּהְבָּֽלוּ | vayehebalu | HC/Vqw3mp |
and became vain | and they became empty | |
H1891-01 |
Jeremiah 23:16 | מַהְבִּלִ֥ים | mahebilim | HVhrmpa |
making-worthless | those causing emptiness | |
H1891-02 |
Psalms 62:11 | תֶּ֫הְבָּ֥לוּ | tehebalu | HVqj2mp |
hope vainly | may you act emptily | |
H1891-02 |
Job 27:12 | תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ | tehebalu | HVqi2mp |
do ye deal so vainly | may you act emptily |