In Vain Vain Vainly

In Vain Vain Vainly

'''A — 1: κενός (Strong'S #2756 — Adjective — kenos — ken-os' )

"empty," with special reference to quality, is translated "vain" (as an adjective) in  Acts 4:25;  1 Corinthians 15:10,14 (twice);   Ephesians 5:6;  Colossians 2:8;  James 2:20; in the following the neuter, kenon, follows the preposition eis, "in," and denotes "in vain,"  2 Corinthians 6:1;  Galatians 2:2;  Philippians 2:16 (twice);   1 Thessalonians 3:5 . See Empty , B, where the applications are enumerated.

'''A — 2: μάταιος (Strong'S #3152 — Adjective — mataios — mat'-ah-yos )

"void of result," is used of (a) idolatrous practices,  Acts 14:15 , Rv, "vain things" (Av, "vanities"); (b) the thoughts of the wise,  1 Corinthians 3:20; (c) faith, if Christ is not risen,  1 Corinthians 15:17; (d) questionings, strifes, etc.,  Titus 3:9; (e) religion, with an unbridled tongue,  James 1:26; (f) manner of life,  1 Peter 1:18 . For the contrast between No. 1 and No. 2 see Empty.

 Titus 1:10

'''B — 1: ματαιόω (Strong'S #3154 — Verb — mataioo — mat-ah-yo'-o )

"to make vain, or foolish," corresponding in meaning to A, No. 2, occurs in  Romans 1:21 , "became vain."

'''B — 2: κενόω (Strong'S #2758 — Verb — kenoo — ken-o'-o )

"to empty," corresponding to A, No. 1, is translated "should be in vain" in  2 Corinthians 9:3 , Av. See Effect , Empty , Void.

'''C — 1: μάτην (Strong'S #3155 — Adverb — maten — mat'-ane )

properly the accusative case of mate, "a fault, a folly," signifies "in vain, to no purpose,"  Matthew 15:9;  Mark 7:7 .

'''C — 2: δωρεάν (Strong'S #1432 — Adjective — dorean — do-reh-an' )

the accusative of dorea, "a gift," is used adverbially, denoting (a) "freely" (see Free , D); (b) "uselessly," "in vain,"  Galatians 2:21 , Av (Rv, "for nought"). See Cause , A, under "without a cause."

'''C — 3: εἰκῇ (Strong'S #1500 — Adverb — eike — i-kay' )

denotes (a) "without cause," "vainly,"  Colossians 2:18; (b) "to no purpose," "in vain,"  Romans 13:4;  Galatians 3:4 (twice); 4:11. See Cause , A, Note (1), under "without a cause."