Strong's Lexicon mataiotés: Vanity, futility, emptiness Original Word: ματαιότης Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word ματαιόω (mataioō), meaning "to make empty" or "to render vain." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H1892 (הֶבֶל, hebel): Often translated as "vanity" or "breath," used extensively in Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting and insubstantial nature of life. Usage: The term "mataiotés" refers to the concept of vanity or futility, often used to describe the transient and purposeless nature of worldly pursuits and human endeavors apart from God. It conveys the idea of something that is devoid of real value or significance, highlighting the emptiness of life when it is not centered on divine purpose. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of vanity was often associated with the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of material wealth and status. Philosophers like the Stoics and Epicureans debated the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness, often concluding that worldly pursuits were ultimately empty. In the Jewish context, the idea of vanity is prominently featured in the book of Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher reflects on the futility of life under the sun without God. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3153 mataiótēs (a noun) – aimlessness due to lacking purpose or any meaningful end; nonsense because transitory. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mataios Definition vanity, emptiness NASB Translation futility (2), vanity (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3153: ματαιότηςματαιότης, ματαιότητος, ἡ (μάταιος, which see), a purely Biblical and ecclesiastical word ((Pollux 50:6 c. 32 § 134)); the Sept. for הֶבֶל (often in Ecclesiastes), also for שָׁוְא, etc.; vanity; a. what is devoid of truth and appropriateness: ὑπέρογκα ματαιότητος (genitive of quality), 2 Peter 2:18. b. perverseness, depravation: τοῦ νως, Ephesians 4:17. c. frailty, want of vigor: Romans 8:20. From mataios; inutility; figuratively, transientness; morally, depravity -- vanity. see GREEK mataios Englishman's Concordance Romans 8:20 N-DFSGRK: τῇ γὰρ ματαιότητι ἡ κτίσις NAS: was subjected to futility, not willingly, KJV: was made subject to vanity, not INT: to the indeed futility the creation Ephesians 4:17 N-DFS 2 Peter 2:18 N-GFS Strong's Greek 3153 |
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