Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • A book of the Old Testament: "Book of Ecclesiastes" is the name of a specific book in the Bible, known for its philosophical and reflective nature. Its central theme is an exploration of the meaning of life, often concluding that many human pursuits are ultimately futile or "vanity."

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • The Book of Ecclesiastes offers a unique, philosophical perspective within the Hebrew Bible.
  • Many famous quotes, such as "There is a time for everything," come from the Book of Ecclesiastes.
  • Her thesis analyzed the theme of vanity in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Advanced Usage

• "Ecclesiastes" alone: The word "Ecclesiastes" is commonly used by itself to refer to the book.
  • The preacher quoted directly from Ecclesiastes.

Variants and Related Words

• Ecclesiastes (n): The shorter, more common name for the Book of Ecclesiastes.
• Qoheleth (n): The Hebrew name for the author or narrator of the book, often translated as "the Preacher" or "the Teacher."

Synonyms

• The Preacher: A traditional title for the book, derived from the opening verse ("The words of the Preacher...").

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Vanity of vanities": A famous phrase that opens the Book of Ecclesiastes (Ecclesiastes 1:2), used to express the ultimate futility or emptiness of worldly things.
  • He sighed and muttered, "Vanity of vanities," as he looked at the unfinished work.

Noun

1. an Old Testament book consisting of reflections on the vanity of human life; is traditionally attributed to Solomon but probably was written about 250 BC