I. Core Thematic and Philosophical Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Vanity / Meaningless (Hebrew: hevel) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:2, 14; 2:1, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26; 3:19; 4:4, 7-8, 16; 5:7, 10; 6:2, 4, 9, 11-12; 7:6, 15; 8:10, 14; 9:9; 11:8, 10; 12:8): This is a key and recurring term in Ecclesiastes. While often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless," hevel literally means "vapor," "breath," or "mere puff of wind." It suggests that which is:;xNLx;Transient, fleeting, ephemeral: Like a puff of breath, it quickly disappears and lacks permanence.;xNLx;Insubstantial, enigmatic, elusive: Difficult to grasp or comprehend fully; lacking ultimate substance or lasting value when pursued for its own sake.;xNLx;Frustratingly absurd or futile: Efforts often don't yield the expected lasting satisfaction or ultimate meaning, especially when viewed solely "under the sun" without reference to God. It does not necessarily mean that everything is utterly worthless in every sense, but rather that human endeavors and earthly pursuits, when detached from God, fail to provide ultimate, lasting meaning or satisfaction.;xNLx;Striving after wind / Chasing after wind (Hebrew: re'uth ruach or ra'ayon ruach) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:14, 17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9): A metaphorical expression often paired with "vanity." It describes human efforts and ambitions as futile, like trying to catch or control the wind – an impossible and unsatisfying pursuit. It emphasizes the elusiveness of lasting fulfillment through worldly achievements or possessions.;xNLx;Under the sun (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:3, 9, 14; 2:11, 17-20, 22; 3:16; 4:1, 3, 7, 15; 5:13, 18; 6:1, 12; 8:9, 15, 17; 9:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 10:5): A characteristic phrase in Ecclesiastes referring to the observable, earthly realm of human existence and experience, viewed from a human perspective, apart from direct divine revelation or a heavenly perspective. It denotes the sphere of worldly life with all its limitations, frustrations, and cycles.;xNLx;The Preacher / Qoheleth (Hebrew: Qoheleth) (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 2, 12; 7:27; 12:8-10): The Hebrew title of the speaker or author of the book. It derives from a root meaning "to assemble" or "to gather," suggesting one who convenes an assembly or collects and imparts wisdom. Often translated as "Teacher" or "Preacher.";xNLx;Wisdom (Hebrew: chokmah) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:13, 16-18; 2:3, 9, 12-13, 21, 26; 7:10-12, 19, 23, 25; 8:1, 5, 16-17; 9:10, 13-18; 10:1-3, 10, 12-13; 12:9, 11): In Ecclesiastes, wisdom is explored both as a valuable practical skill for navigating life and as a pursuit that, in itself, cannot ultimately solve the problem of hevel or guarantee happiness. The Preacher extensively investigates the benefits and limitations of human wisdom.;xNLx;Folly / Fool / Foolish (Hebrew: sikluth, kesil, sakal) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:17; 2:2-3, 12-16, 19; 4:5, 13; 5:1, 3-4; 7:4-6, 9, 17, 25; 9:17; 10:1-3, 6, 12-15; 12:11 [context of goads]): The opposite of wisdom, characterized by ignorance, wrong choices, rash behavior, and an inability to discern what is truly valuable. Folly, like wisdom, is also subject to the ultimate leveling effect of death and hevel.;xNLx;Toil / Labor (Hebrew: amal) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:3, 8; 2:10-11, 18-22; 3:9, 13; 4:4, 6, 8-9; 5:15-16, 18-19; 6:7; 8:15; 9:9; 10:15): Hard work, burdensome effort, or wearisome activity. The Preacher questions the ultimate profit or lasting gain from all human toil "under the sun.";xNLx;Portion / Lot (Hebrew: cheleq) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 2:10, 21; 3:22; 5:18-19; 9:6, 9; 11:2): What is allotted or assigned to a person in life; their share of experiences, possessions, or enjoyment. The Preacher often concludes that enjoying one's portion in life (food, drink, work, relationships) is a gift from God, even amidst the reality of hevel.;xNLx;Gain / Profit / Advantage (Hebrew: yithron) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:3; 2:11, 13; 3:9; 5:9, 11, 16; 7:11-12; 10:10-11): Lasting or ultimate benefit, surplus value, or enduring advantage. The Preacher frequently asks what ultimate "gain" there is from human endeavors, often concluding there is little from a purely worldly perspective.;xNLx;Pleasure / Enjoyment (Hebrew: simchah, tov) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 8, 10, 24-26; 3:12-13, 22; 5:18-20; 7:4, 14; 8:15; 9:7-9; 11:8-9): Sensual delights, joy, gladness, and the good things of life. The Preacher experiments with pleasure to find meaning but finds it also to be hevel when pursued as an ultimate end. However, he also affirms that the ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures is a gift from God.;xNLx;Oppression (Ecclesiastes 4:1; 5:8; 7:7): Unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power, leading to suffering and a sense of futility.;xNLx;Justice / Righteousness (Hebrew: tsedeq, mishpat) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 3:16; 5:8; 7:15-16; 8:10, 14; 9:1-2): Moral rightness, fairness, and adherence to God's standards. The Preacher observes perplexing situations where justice seems to be perverted and the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper "under the sun," challenging simplistic views of retribution.;xNLx;Wicked / Wickedness (e.g., Ecclesiastes 3:17; 4:3 [misery caused by]; 7:15, 17; 8:8, 10-14; 9:2-3, 18): Those who are morally evil, ungodly, and unjust. The Preacher notes that both the righteous and the wicked share the same ultimate fate (death).;xNLx;Time / Season (Hebrew: eth, zeman) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, 17; 7:17; 8:5-6, 9; 9:8, 11-12): A significant theme, especially in chapter 3 ("For everything there is a season..."). It refers to appointed or appropriate times for various events and activities, and the divinely ordered, though often inscrutable, rhythm of life.;xNLx;Chance / Fate (Ecclesiastes 2:14-15; 3:19; 9:1-3, 11): Events that seem to happen without discernible reason or moral desert. "Time and chance happen to them all" (9:11), indicating that life "under the sun" is not always predictable or strictly based on retribution.;xNLx;Death / The Dead (e.g., Ecclesiastes 2:14-17; 3:2, 19-21; 4:2; 5:15-16; 6:3-6; 7:1-2, 26; 8:8, 10; 9:2-6, 10; 11:8; 12:1-7): The inevitable end of all human and animal life "under the sun." Death is presented as the great equalizer, rendering many earthly pursuits and distinctions hevel. The Preacher ponders what, if anything, lies beyond.;xNLx;Spirit (Hebrew: ruach) (e.g., Ecclesiastes 3:19, 21; 7:8-9 [spirit/patience]; 8:8; 10:4; 11:5; 12:7): Can mean "wind," "breath," "spirit" (of a human or animal), or "disposition." Its meaning depends heavily on the context. Ecclesiastes 3:21 famously questions whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of beasts goes down to the earth. Ecclesiastes 12:7 states the spirit returns to God who gave it.;xNLx;II. Other Notable Terms and Phrases:;xNLx;;xNLx;Fear God (Ecclesiastes 3:14; 5:7; 7:18; 8:12-13; 12:13): A recurring counsel, especially at the end of the book. It means to have reverence, awe, and obedience toward God. This is presented as the foundation of true wisdom and the appropriate human response to the enigmas of life.;xNLx;Keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13): Paired with "fear God" as the whole duty of man. It refers to obeying God's revealed will.;xNLx;Sheol (Ecclesiastes 9:10): The realm of the dead, where there is no work, thought, knowledge, or wisdom.;xNLx;Eat and drink and find enjoyment (e.g., Ecclesiastes 2:24; 3:13; 5:18; 8:15; 9:7): The Preacher's recurring advice to find satisfaction in the simple, everyday gifts of God (food, drink, work, relationships) as a way to navigate the hevel of life. This is not hedonism but an acceptance of God-given pleasures within a life of fearing Him.;xNLx;The house of mourning (Ecclesiastes 7:2, 4): A place where death is confronted, which the Preacher says is better to go to than the house of feasting, as it prompts sober reflection on life and its end.;xNLx;The words of the wise (Ecclesiastes 9:17; 12:11): Sayings that impart insight and guidance. The Preacher himself is a collector and teacher of such words.;xNLx;Goads / Nails firmly fixed (Ecclesiastes 12:11): Metaphors for the words of the wise, which can be sharp and prodding (like goads) to motivate action, or like firmly fixed nails providing stability and reliability.;xNLx;Masters of collections (Ecclesiastes 12:11): Likely refers to collectors or compilers of wise sayings (like the Preacher himself).;xNLx;This list provides definitions for many of the distinctive and thematically important terms in the Book of Ecclesiastes (ESV). Understanding these terms within their philosophical and literary context is crucial for engaging with the Preacher's honest and often challenging reflections on life, meaning, and God.