is “meaningless.” In fact, the Hebrew word hebel is also accurately translated as “breath” or “breeze.” The Preacher is saying that everything is a mist, a vapor, a puff of wind, a bit of smoke. It’s a common biblical idea: Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath [hebel]! Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing [hebel] they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!