Lexical Definition

‎הָבַל‎ hâbal (haw-bal') to become vain ^H:V
a primitive root

be (become, make) vain.

• to be vain in act, word, or expectation
• specifically to lead astray

1) to act emptily, become vain, be vain
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to become vain
1a2) to be utterly vain (with cognate acc)
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to cause to become vain
1b2) to fill with vain hopes

See Greek: ἐπιβάλλω · ἐπιποθέω · κενός · ματαιόω

Brown-Driver-Briggs

‎הָבַל‎ verb denominative act emptily, become vain —

Qal Jer 2:5 = 2Kgs 17:15 they went after vanity ‎וַיֶּהְבָּ֑לוּ‎ and became vain, Ps 62:11* ‎וּבְגָזֵל‎ ‎אַלתֶּֿהְבָּ֑לוּ‎ do not become vain (i.e. be demoralized) by robbery; with cognate accusative Job 27:12 ‎לָמָּה‎ ‎זֶה הֶבֶל תֶּהְבָּ֑לוּ‎ why do ye become vain with vanity (i.e. shew yourselves utterly vain) ? Hiph`il cause to become vain Jer 23:16 (of false prophets) ‎מַהְבִּלִים הֵמָּה אֶתְכֶם‎ i.e. fill you with vain hopes.

Brown-Driver-Briggs References