הֶבֶל Hevel (H1893) shares the same root as the word הָבַל haval (H1892) and means “emptiness or vanity” in the sense of coming to nothing when effort is given (cf. Ecclesiastes 1:1-3). הָבַל haval is equivalent to the Greek word μάταιος mataios (G3152) which means to be devoid of force, truth, success, or result; useless, of no purpose or ματαιότης mataiotēs (G3153) what is devoid of truth and appropriateness (cf. 2 Peter 2:18); perverseness or depravation (cf. Ephesians 4:17); frailty or want of vigor (cf. Romans 8:20).
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