The expression “Vanity of vanities” has an interesting history, with the Hebrew term ‘awen’ meaning “to adorn with vanity,” and being frequently used in combination with iniquity and mischief. It also has an equally strange word, ‘Shaw’, which means “iniquity.” So, when interpreting the phrase, we must remember to keep the original meaning in mind. Nevertheless, our modern translations are not necessarily incorrect; there are many ways to decorate a vanity that matches your taste.
The word “vanity” doesn’t appear very often in the New Testament. Instead, the word is often translated as VAIN or VAINGLORY. In Acts 14:15, the Greek word matai’s is rendered as “vanities.” In Romans 8:20, the Greek word is rendered as “transistorizes” (emptiness). In Ephesians 4:17, Vanity is synonymous with ‘folly.’ In the Bible, it is also used in the same context as ‘folly.’ In 2 Peter, it is a synonym for vanity.
The phrase ‘vanities’ has a rich history. In the Book of Ecclesiastes, the term originally meant a “toilet table”, and refers to a table where a woman can change her appearance. The Latin word “vanitas” translates to “fruitless” and can be interpreted to refer to all of the vanity’s features. This description sums up the subject’s preoccupation with vanity.