Troublesome Topic: The Various Uses of the Word “Vapor”

Ecclesiastes 1:2

Translation

“The most vapor-like

of all vapors,”

says the convener of the assembly,

“the most vapor-like of all vapors, everything is like a vapor.”

Paraphrase

“Just like a true vapor in its most extreme form,” says the one who calls together the assembly and speaks to the assembly, “just like a true vapor in its most extreme form,

everything has the qualities of a vapor.”

The word I have rendered as “vapor-like” means “vapor” or “vapor-like,” and also “breath.” In what way is something like a vapor? I see six characteristics of a vapor that fit the teaching of Ecclesiastes, and they form the acrostic PASSES:

P Not Predictable, is easily influenced, cannot be counted on

A Accomplishes nothing, serves no purpose, does no work

S Short-lived, brief, it does not last

S Not Special, rather it is quite ordinary, even mundane

E Not Easily analyzed or understood, and Endlessly frustrating

S Not Solid, not firm, rather it is transitory and moves about.

Were the ancient people capable of seeing all the various qualities of a vapor? Absolutely.

No single word in English, apart from the metaphor of a vapor, can express this array of meanings, thus, all translation attempts that choose one word which is not “vapor” and stick with it throughout Ecclesiastes will be wrong part of the time. In my opinion, sticking with one word, like “vanity” or “meaningless,” is unfortunate because that word will only fit the context some of the time, and the other times it is used it will create confusion. The safest choice for a translator is to stick with the word “vapor” and allow that word-picture to speak for itself in the various contexts in which it is used in Ecclesiastes. The other option is to use different English words to express the different emphases of the Hebrew word “vapor;” several translations do this and do it very effectively, without creating any confusion.

As we move through the book of Ecclesiastes, you will see the acrostic PASSES used numerous times as I strive to explain what was meant each time the word “vapor” is used.

The next lesson is: The Proverbs of Ecclesiastes 5

Footnotes

1

The word used here means “a vapor” or “a breath.”

2: “The most vapor-like of all vapors”

The construction of this phrase is similar to others we are familiar with, such as “king of kings,” “Lord of lord,” or “song of songs.” It is intended to show the most extreme level possible of the characteristics attending that noun.

3

It is as if Solomon was saying, “It is I, the one you have come to for wisdom, and the one whom you admired for all I have accomplished. Yes, in the first part of my reign I did accomplish what many others had not been able to. But now, because of suffering and heartache, I have a different perspective on work and accomplishments. In fact the entire cycle of life, from birth to death, has been given a different meaning to me than it had before. It is not a pleasant or happy perspective, but it is more realistic, and it is important that you understand these things. So as you read this remember that it is coming from the one who is quite likely the most ‘successful’ person you have ever heard speak.”

4

With the exception of a little bit at the beginning and a little bit at the end, the entire book of Ecclesiastes should be in quotes, however, most translations only use quotes in this first verse because it sounds strange without them. The same could be said about many other writings in the Bible. The writings of Moses, for instance, are all his words, with a short note at the end by whomever compiled them after his death.