"Puzzles and Profits" (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3)

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NASB95

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 CSB

“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”

Ecclesiastes 1:2 NLT

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”

What is the meaning of “Hebel”?

(hebel) הֶבֶל

Theme word of Ecclesiastes

Does it mean “vanity” or “meaningless” or “futility”?

Unique and purposeful meaning in Ecclesiastes

“Hebel” in Ecclesiastes

Consider scenarios that are described as “hebel” in Ecclesiastes.

Note that “hebel” is accompanied by other key expressions in Ecclesiastes.

“Hebel” is often balanced by calls to enjoy God’s good gifts.

How is “Hebel” used in Ecclesiastes?

The scenarios examined by Qoheleth and described as “hebel” do not fit the meaning of “meaningless” or “futile” or “vanity.”

The accompanying phrases “chasing the wind” (“shepherding the wind”), “a sore affliction,” and “an unhappy business” do not support the meaning of “meaningless,” “futility,” or “vanity.”

The repeated calls to enjoy God’s good gifts provide key structural clues and rule out the meanings of “meaningless,” “futility,” and “vanity.”

So, what does “Hebel” mean in Ecclesiastes?

“Hebel in Qoheleth has a distinctive function and meaning: it conveys the notion that life is enigmatic, and mysterious; that there are many unanswered and unanswerable questions. The person of faith recognizes this fact but moves forward positively to claim and enjoy the life and the work which God apportions.” - Graham Ogden

Ecclesiastes 1:3 NIV

What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?

Key Question

If “hebel” is the key theme word in Ecclesiastes, verse 3 and the idea of “profit or gain” is the programmatic question.

What is the meaning of “yitron”?

(yitron) יִתְרוֹן

Comes from a root word that normally conveys the idea of a “profit” or “gain.”

Used in contexts relating to commercial enterprise.

The term “yitron” is coined by Qoheleth.

It clearly does not have a material or financial meaning in Ecclesiastes.

It cannot be found “under the sun.”

“If it is not equated with some worldly, measurable benefit, then it probably belongs to a somewhat different order… Qoheleth is at least pointing in the direction of a yitrôn which transcends the present earthly experience.” - Graham Ogden

“Yitron” in Ecclesiastes

The term “yitron” (gain, profit, or advantage) has “a metaphorical sense to speak of that which is non-material. It might refer, in part, to an inner contentment which abides throughout an enigmatic life, but it seems also to incorporate the possibility of some experience beyond death.” - Graham Ogden

Puzzles and Profits

So, the true “profit” that the wise may receive and that will one day make sense of all of life’s “puzzles” is not to be found in this life “under the sun.” It is to be found in “eternity” (3:11).