In biblical literature, the term "vapours" is often used metaphorically to describe the transient and fleeting nature of life and human endeavors. The imagery of vapour is employed to convey the idea of impermanence and the insubstantiality of earthly existence when compared to the eternal nature of God.

Old Testament References

The concept of vapours is notably present in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. In the book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher reflects on the vanity of human pursuits, using imagery akin to vapour to emphasize the fleeting nature of life. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not use the word "vapour" directly in Ecclesiastes, the theme is captured in passages such as Ecclesiastes 1:2, "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!"

The Psalms also echo this sentiment. Psalm 39:5 states, "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." Here, the term "breath" is synonymous with vapour, highlighting the brevity and fragility of human life.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the epistle of James provides a direct reference to the concept of vapour. James 4:14 states, "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 passage underscores the uncertainty and short-lived nature of human life, urging believers to live with an awareness of their dependence on God's will.

Theological Implications

The use of vapour as a metaphor in Scripture serves to remind believers of the temporal nature of worldly pursuits and the importance of focusing on eternal truths. It calls for humility, recognizing that human life, with all its ambitions and achievements, is ultimately transient. This perspective encourages a reliance on God, who is eternal and unchanging, and a prioritization of spiritual over material concerns.

Symbolism and Imagery

Vapours, as depicted in the Bible, symbolize the ephemeral and elusive aspects of life. The imagery of vapour, mist, or breath is powerful in its ability to convey the notion that life is momentary and can dissipate quickly, much like a mist that vanishes with the rising sun. This symbolism serves as a poignant reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the pursuit of righteousness.

Practical Application

For believers, the biblical portrayal of life as vapour encourages a mindset of stewardship and intentionality. It calls for a life lived in accordance with God's will, with an emphasis on eternal values rather than temporary gains. This perspective fosters a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel and living out one's faith, knowing that earthly life is but a brief prelude to eternity.

A Rationale of Sleep, of Yawning, and of Dreams .
... For just as certain misty vapours are drawn up from the recesses of the earth when
it is soaked with rain, whenever the sun heats it with rays of any ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xiii a rationale of sleep.htm

Concerning Sensation.
... The third sense is smell, which is caused by the nostrils transmitting the vapours
to the brain: and it is bounded by the extreme limits of the anterior ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xviii concerning sensation.htm

Perfect Knowledge Cannot be Attained in the Present Life: Many ...
... [3214] What, moreover, can we say as to the formation of rain, lightning, thunder,
gatherings of clouds, vapours, the bursting forth of winds, and such like ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviii perfect knowledge cannot be.htm

How one in the Province of the Northumbrians, Rose from the Dead ...
... ascended were full of the spirits of men, which, like sparks flying upwards with
the smoke, were sometimes thrown on high, and again, when the vapours of the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xii how one in.htm

Nevertheless, a Necessity, as it Were, is Laid Upon Me to Reply ...
... in the same form, as the resurrection of our Lord himself from the dead: that the
bodies which we shall receive will not be phantoms or thin vapours, as some ...
/.../2 nevertheless a necessity as.htm

Effectual Calling
... As black vapours which arise out of fenny, moorish grounds, cloud and darken the
sun, so out of the natural man's heart arise black vapours of sin, which cast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

The Third Part.
... hands) till the Lord sayd, Let me alone: this made Cornelius his prayer to come
into heaven; whither our colde sutes can no more ascend, then vapours from the ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the third part.htm

24TH DAY. Eventide Light.
... If it could stand on its Pisgah Mount, and look above and beyond the mists and vapours
of this land of shadows, and rest on the "better country." But, alas! ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/24th day eventide light.htm

The Knowledge of God
... No evil can mix or incorporate with his knowledge, any more than the sun
can be defiled with the vapours which arise from the earth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

Argument: C??cilius Begins his Argument First of all by Reminding ...
... Thus the vapours of the earth, being exhaled, cause the mists always to grow, which
being condensed and collected, cause the clouds to rise higher; and when ...
/.../the octavius of minucius felix/chapter v argument caecilius begins his.htm

Vapours (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vapours (5 Occurrences). ... (KJV JPS DBY YLT). Psalms
148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word: (KJV). ...
/v/vapours.htm - 7k

Vapour (6 Occurrences)
... vapour. (KJV). Psalms 148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind
fulfilling his word: (Root in KJV JPS DBY YLT). Proverbs ...
/v/vapour.htm - 7k

Uttereth (30 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:13 When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the
heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he ...
/u/uttereth.htm - 14k

Treasures (77 Occurrences)
... Psalms 135:7 Causing vapours to ascend from the end of the earth, Lightnings for
the rain He hath made, Bringing forth wind from His treasures. (YLT). ...
/t/treasures.htm - 31k

Variableness (1 Occurrence)

/v/variableness.htm - 6k

Lightnings (17 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:16 When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the
heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he ...
/l/lightnings.htm - 11k

Ascend (86 Occurrences)
... Psalms 135:7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh
lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. ...
/a/ascend.htm - 37k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus