Strong's Greek: 3236 -- (Not Used)

Lexicon

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)Definition: (Not Used)
Meaning: Not Used

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word μάταιος (mataios), meaning "vain" or "empty."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Hebrew 1892 (הֶבֶל, hebel): Often translated as "vanity" or "breath," this term is used in the Old Testament, particularly in Ecclesiastes, to describe the fleeting and insubstantial nature of human endeavors and life itself.
• Hebrew 7385 (רִיק, riq): Meaning "emptiness" or "vain," this word is used to convey the idea of something that is without substance or value.

These Hebrew terms, like "mataiotēs," underscore the biblical theme of the futility of life when it is disconnected from God's eternal purposes, urging a focus on what is truly lasting and meaningful.

Usage: The word "mataiotēs" is used in the New Testament to describe the transient and futile nature of worldly pursuits and the emptiness of life apart from God. It is often associated with the concept of vanity in the sense of pursuing things that ultimately do not satisfy or have eternal value.

Context: The Greek term "mataiotēs" appears in the New Testament to highlight the futility and transient nature of life when it is lived apart from the divine purpose. This concept is particularly evident in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who uses the term to contrast the temporary and often deceptive allure of worldly pursuits with the enduring and fulfilling nature of a life centered on Christ.

In Romans 8:20, Paul writes, "For the creation was subjected to futility (mataiotēs), not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope." Here, "mataiotēs" is used to describe the state of creation, which, due to the fall, is subjected to a condition of frustration and decay. This futility is not without purpose, however, as it is part of God's redemptive plan, pointing towards the hope of future restoration.

Similarly, in Ephesians 4:17, Paul exhorts believers, "So I tell you this, and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility (mataiotēs) of their thinking." In this context, "mataiotēs" refers to the empty and purposeless mindset of those who live without the knowledge of God, emphasizing the contrast between a life led by human wisdom and one guided by divine truth.

The use of "mataiotēs" in the New Testament serves as a reminder of the inherent emptiness of a life focused solely on temporal achievements and pleasures. It calls believers to seek a deeper, more meaningful existence rooted in the eternal purposes of God.

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts