In biblical literature, the term "vapors" is often used metaphorically to describe the transient and fleeting nature of life and human endeavors. The imagery of vapor is employed to convey the idea of impermanence and the elusive quality of earthly existence.

Biblical References:

1. James 4:14 : "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This verse from the Epistle of James uses the metaphor of a mist or vapor to emphasize the brevity and uncertainty of human life. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility and reliance on God's will, rather than on human plans and ambitions.

2. Ecclesiastes 1:2 : "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!" While the term "vapor" is not directly used in this verse, the concept of futility or vanity in Ecclesiastes is closely related to the idea of life being like a vapor—transient and ultimately insubstantial. The book of Ecclesiastes frequently reflects on the ephemeral nature of human pursuits and the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments.

3. Psalm 39:5-6 : "Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Truly, each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah. Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will gather them." The psalmist here uses the imagery of a breath or vapor to highlight the shortness of life and the futility of amassing wealth and achievements without regard for eternal values.

Theological Implications:

The use of "vapors" in Scripture underscores the biblical teaching on the temporality of earthly life and the importance of focusing on eternal matters. It serves as a call to prioritize spiritual over material concerns, recognizing that life is fleeting and that true meaning and fulfillment are found in a relationship with God.

The metaphor of vapor also encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that while life on earth is temporary, the promises of God and the hope of eternal life are enduring. This perspective fosters a sense of urgency in living out one's faith and sharing the gospel, as well as a reliance on God's sovereignty and providence.

Practical Application:

In light of the biblical portrayal of life as a vapor, Christians are encouraged to:

· Live with humility, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding and control.
· Seek God's guidance and will in all aspects of life, rather than relying solely on personal plans.
· Focus on building a legacy of faith and obedience to God, rather than solely pursuing temporal success.
· Cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, recognizing the blessings of each day as gifts from God.
· Share the message of the gospel with urgency, knowing that life is short and eternity is at stake.

The imagery of vapors in the Bible serves as a poignant reminder of the need to live wisely and purposefully, with an eye toward the eternal kingdom of God.5387b. nasi -- rising mist, vapor
... rising mist, vapor. Transliteration: nasi Short Definition: clouds. Word Origin
from nasa Definition rising mist, vapor NASB Word Usage clouds (3), vapors (1). ...
/hebrew/5387b.htm - 5k

Whether There are Waters Above the Firmament?
... understand by the firmament that part of the air in which the clouds are collected,
then the waters above the firmament must rather be the vapors resolved from ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there are waters above.htm

Whether Plain Water is Necessary for Baptism?
... certain bodies. But seemingly, such like waters may be used in Baptism;
just as rain-water, which is distilled from vapors. Since ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether plain water is necessary.htm

Love in the Blessed Ones.
... all, he stands forth magnificent conqueror in the deep azure of a cloudless sky,
his splendor does not then decline with the last vanishing vapors, but only ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv love in the blessed.htm

The Future State a Self-Conscious State.
... I am now in the midst of the vapors and smoke of this dim spot which men call earth,
but then shall I stand in the dazzling light of the face of God, and labor ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the future state a self-conscious.htm

Ninth Day. Prayerfulness.
... Can you wonder that the living water refuses to flow through obstructed
channels, or the heavenly light to pierce murky vapors! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/ninth day prayerfulness.htm

The Reality of the Resurrection
... Instead, whether it be dissolved into dust or ashes, or dispersed into vapors and
the winds, or converted into the substance of other bodies (or even back into ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxiii the reality of.htm

The Material of the Body Never Perishes.
... material out of which men's mortal bodies are created ever perish; but though it
may crumble into dust and ashes, or be dissolved into vapors and exhalations ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 88 the material of the.htm

The Great Assize
... broken up," to destroy the earth, which then "stood out of the water and in the
water." The air will be all storm and tempest, full of dark vapors and "pillars ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 15 the great assize.htm

Flee Away, My Beloved, and be Thou Like to a Roe or to a Young ...
... perfume. Come to those souls who are as mountains of spices, raised above
the fetid vapors corrupted by the wickedness of this world. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/14 flee away my beloved.htm

The Occurrences at Alexandria.
... For such vapors arise from the earth, and winds from the sea, and breezes from the
river, and mists from the harbors, that the dews are, as it were, discharges ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxi the occurrences at alexandria.htm

Vapors (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vapors (4 Occurrences). ... Psalms 148:8 Fire, and hail;
snow, and vapors; stormy wind fulfilling his word: (WBS). ...
/v/vapors.htm - 7k

Vapor (6 Occurrences)
... and watered the whole face of the ground" (Genesis 2:6). (2) nasi', "vapor," ie
that which rises, from nasa', "to lift": "Who causeth the vapors to ascend from ...
/v/vapor.htm - 11k

Utters (26 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes ...
/u/utters.htm - 13k

Treasuries (36 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes ...
/t/treasuries.htm - 18k

Tumult (56 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes ...
/t/tumult.htm - 23k

Lightning (49 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes ...
/l/lightning.htm - 24k

Roar (53 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes ...
/r/roar.htm - 23k

Clouds (99 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes ...
/c/clouds.htm - 35k

Causes (89 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:13 when he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes ...
/c/causes.htm - 33k

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