Vanity of vanities is a phrase from the Bible that describes an unattainable ideal. The term can be found in the Song of Songs, also known as the Canticles or the Song of Solomon. This expression, like many others, has multiple meanings and translates to ‘meaningless things’ in many languages. But, while the Bible is clear about the importance of beauty and the role of vanity, modern translations often translate vanity as ‘absurdity,’ a word that implies an irrational state of mind that does not fit into a system of order and purpose.
The term ‘vanity’ derives from the Latin word ‘omnia’, which originally meant ‘fruitlessness of human effort’. It sums up the complete preoccupation of a subject, ranging from his or her physical appearance to his or her relationships. It is not surprising that the idea of vanities and ‘vanity’ has been used to describe so many things in history, from Old English poetry to video games and everything in between.
The word ‘vanity’ has been used since the mid-twentieth century to refer to vanity. It can be a metaphor for the emptiness of life, or it can be a description of idolatry. A Bible verse on vanity also discusses the futility of man’s attempts to worship God. If you are searching for a beautiful bathroom vanity, you’ve probably already gotten lost in the world of material possessions.
