◄ 1500. eiké ►
Strong's Lexicon eiké: In vain, without cause, for no purpose Original Word: εἰκῇ Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: eiké Pronunciation: ay-KAY Phonetic Spelling: (i-kay') Definition: In vain, without cause, for no purpose Meaning: without a cause, purpose; purposelessly, in vain, for nothing. Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root εἰκών (eikōn), meaning "image" or "likeness," but used in a different context to imply "without cause" or "in vain." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of "in vain" or "without cause" is שָׁוְא (shav', Strong's Hebrew 7723), which carries similar connotations of emptiness or futility. Usage: The adverb εἰκῇ (eiké) is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of doing something without a valid reason, purpose, or result. It often implies futility or pointlessness in actions or beliefs. In a biblical context, it underscores the importance of intentionality and purpose in the life of a believer, warning against actions that are empty or without substance. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of purpose and intentionality was significant, both in philosophy and daily life. Actions were often evaluated based on their outcomes and the reasons behind them. The use of εἰκῇ in the New Testament reflects a broader cultural understanding that actions should be meaningful and purposeful, aligning with the biblical emphasis on living a life that honors God and fulfills His purposes. HELPS Word-studies 1500 eikḗ – properly, without cause (ground), without basis and therefore not to be taken seriously (considered valid). This adverb suggests, "What goes to no purpose . . . ". NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin adverb probably akin to hekón Definition without cause or reason, vainly NASB Translation nothing (1), vain (4), without cause (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1500: εἰκῇ εἰκῇ (L WH Relz εἰκῇ; cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. ii., p. 342; Buttmann, 69 (61); (Winers Grammar, § 5, 4 e.; Jelf, § 324 Obs. 6; Kühner, § 336 Anm. 7; especially Etym. Magn. 78, 26f; and references under the word Iota)), adverb; in Greek writings from Aeschylus down; 1. inconsiderately, without purpose, without just cause: Matthew 5:22 R G Tr brackets; Romans 13:4 (i. e. 'not to hide it in the scabbard, but to draw it' Fritzsche); Colossians 2:18. 2. in vain; without success or effect: 1 Corinthians 15:2; Galatians 3:4; Galatians 4:11. (From Xenophon, Aeschylus down.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without a cause, in vain. Probably from eiko (through the idea of failure); idly, i.e. Without reason (or effect) -- without a cause, (in) vain(-ly). see GREEK eiko Forms and Transliterations εικη εική εἰκῇ εικοσαετούς εικοσαέτους eike eikē eikêi eikē̂i Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts Englishman's Concordance Romans 13:4 Adv GRK: οὐ γὰρ εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν NAS: the sword for nothing; for it is a minister KJV: not the sword in vain: for he is INT: not indeed in vain the sword 1 Corinthians 15:2 Adv GRK: εἰ μὴ εἰκῇ ἐπιστεύσατε NAS: to you, unless you believed in vain. KJV: unless ye have believed in vain. INT: if not in vain you believed Galatians 3:4 Adv GRK: τοσαῦτα ἐπάθετε εἰκῇ εἴ γε NAS: so many things in vain-- if KJV: so many things in vain? if [it be] yet INT: So many things did you suffer in vain if indeed Galatians 3:4 Adv GRK: γε καὶ εἰκῇ NAS: if indeed it was in vain? KJV: in vain? if [it be] yet in vain. INT: indeed also in vain Galatians 4:11 Adv GRK: μή πως εἰκῇ κεκοπίακα εἰς NAS: I have labored over you in vain. KJV: you labour in vain. INT: lest perhaps in vain I have toiled as to Colossians 2:18 Adv GRK: ἑόρακεν ἐμβατεύων εἰκῇ φυσιούμενος ὑπὸ NAS: inflated without cause by his fleshly KJV: not seen, vainly puffed up by INT: he has seen detailing vainly puffed up by Strong's Greek 1500 6 Occurrences εἰκῇ — 6 Occ.