# Vanity of Vanities? Four Hebrew Words from Ecclesiastes

> Kohelet, hevel, chelek and olam: what the Preacher saw, and what Jesus answered

Full guide: 7 min · IsraelForYou

## The opening

One book of the Bible reads as if it were written last week. A man who has tried work, pleasure, money and learning reports what he found: none of it lasts. Many readers feel the chill and close it. Others call it the most honest book in Scripture.

Its Hebrew name is *Kohelet*. The Greek translation called it Ekklesiastes, Ecclesiastes in our Bibles, and English Bibles call the speaker the Preacher or the Teacher. In many synagogues the whole book is read aloud during *Sukkot*, the Feast of Booths: on its Sabbath, or on its closing day, Shemini Atzeret.

## The chapters

1. Vanity of Vanities? Four Hebrew Words from Ecclesiastes
2. 1. Kohelet: the one who gathers
3. 2. Hevel: a breath
4. 3. Chelek: a portion
5. 4. Olam: eternity in the heart

## Hebrew in this guide

[kohelet](https://israelforyou.com/hebrew/kohelet.md), [hevel](https://israelforyou.com/hebrew/hevel.md), [yitron](https://israelforyou.com/hebrew/yitron.md), [chelek](https://israelforyou.com/hebrew/chelek.md), [olam](https://israelforyou.com/hebrew/olam.md), [sukkot](https://israelforyou.com/hebrew/sukkot.md), [simchah](https://israelforyou.com/hebrew/simchah.md), [yirah](https://israelforyou.com/hebrew/yirah.md)

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You have read the opening. The other 4 chapters — with every verse opened and every Hebrew word a tap away — ship with IsraelForYou for iPhone.
https://israelforyou.com/g/ecclesiastes-four-hebrew-words/