Strong's Lexicon matén: In vain, to no purpose, without success Original Word: μάτην Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root μάταιος (mataios), meaning "vain" or "empty." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of vanity or futility is הֶבֶל (hebel), Strong's Hebrew 1892, which is frequently used in Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting and insubstantial nature of life. Usage: The adverb μάτην (matén) is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of actions or efforts that are futile, ineffective, or without result. It often carries a connotation of emptiness or worthlessness, emphasizing the lack of value or purpose in the action described. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of vanity or futility was often associated with philosophical discussions about the nature of life and human endeavors. The biblical use of μάτην reflects a worldview that recognizes the limitations of human efforts apart from divine purpose and guidance. This perspective is consistent with the broader biblical theme that true meaning and fulfillment are found in alignment with God's will. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3155 mátēn (an adverb) – properly, "aimlessly"; pointless, without ground or any real purpose (fruitfulness). See 3152 (mataios). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from acc. of maté (a folly) Definition in vain, to no purpose NASB Translation vain (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3155: μάτηνμάτην (accusative (cf. Winers Grammar, 230 (216); Buttmann, § 131, 12) of μάτη, equivalent to ματία, a futile attempt, folly, fault), adverb, from Pindar, Aeschylus down, in vain, fruitlessly: Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7, after Isaiah 29:13 the Sept.. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in vain. Accusative case of a derivative of the base of massaomai (through the idea of tentative manipulation, i.e. Unsuccessful search, or else of punishment); folly, i.e. (adverbially) to no purpose -- in vain. see GREEK massaomai Forms and Transliterations ματην μάτην maten matēn máten mátēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 15:9 AdvGRK: μάτην δὲ σέβονταί NAS: BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP KJV: But in vain they do worship me, INT: in vain moreover they worship Mark 7:7 Adv |
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