from the base of μάτην; empty, i.e. (literally) profitless, or (specially), an idol:--vain, vanity.
Transliteration:mátaios
Pronunciation:mat'-ah-yos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective μάταιος (mátaios, `{{G3152}}`) is derived from the adverb μάτην (matēn, `{{G3155}}`), meaning "in vain," "to no purpose," or "without cause." Its core semantic range encompasses the concepts of emptiness, futility, and profitlessness. It describes that which is devoid of substance, effectiveness, or genuine value. In its literal sense, it refers to something useless or unproductive. More specifically, and significantly in biblical usage, it can denote that which is unreal, false, or deceptive, particularly in the context of idols or false gods. Thus, μάταιος conveys a sense of ultimate emptiness, a failure to achieve any meaningful end, or a fundamental lack of truth and reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μάταιος appears five times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* In [[Acts 14:15]], Paul and Barnabas implore the people of Lystra to "turn from these *vain things* (τῶν ματαίων) to the living God." Here, μάταιος explicitly refers to the idols and polytheistic practices of the Gentiles, emphasizing their emptiness, powerlessness, and inability to provide salvation or true knowledge of God. They are "vain" because they are not real gods and offer no genuine benefit.
* In [[1 Corinthians 15:17]], Paul states, "and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is *futile* (ματαία) and you are still in your sins." The resurrection of Christ is presented as the indispensable foundation of Christian faith. Without it, faith is rendered μάταιος – empty, ineffective, and utterly without power to justify or save. It would be a belief system based on a falsehood, leading to no true spiritual transformation or redemption.
* [[Titus 3:9]] warns against "foolish controversies and genealogies and quarrels and disputes about the Law, for they are *unprofitable* (μάταιοι) and useless." Here, μάταιος describes discussions and arguments that yield no spiritual profit, edification, or positive outcome. They are empty of constructive value, distracting from genuine godliness and sound doctrine.
* [[James 1:26]] declares, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is *worthless* (ματαία)." This verse highlights the futility of a merely external or superficial religiosity that lacks inner transformation and practical obedience. Such "religion" is μάταιος because it fails to achieve its true purpose of genuine piety and is ultimately ineffective in God's eyes.
* In [[1 Peter 1:18]], believers are reminded that they were "redeemed from your *futile* (ματαίας) way of life inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold." The "futile way of life" refers to the inherited patterns of sin, idolatry, and ungodliness characteristic of their former existence apart from Christ. This way of life is μάταιος because it is devoid of eternal value, leads to destruction, and cannot bring true satisfaction or purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of μάταιος (mátaios, `{{G3152}}`) intersects with several other significant Greek and Hebrew terms:
* **μάτην (matēn, `{{G3155}}`):** As its adverbial root, μάτην ("in vain," "to no purpose") directly informs the meaning of μάταιος.
* **κενός (kenos, `{{G2756}}`):** Meaning "empty," "hollow," or "vain," κενός is a close synonym, though μάταιος often carries a stronger connotation of futility or deception, particularly in moral or spiritual contexts.
* **ἀργός (argos, `{{G692}}`):** Meaning "idle," "unprofitable," or "useless," ἀργός shares the sense of unproductive labor or speech, as seen in [[Titus 3:9]].
* **ψευδής (pseudes, `{{G5571}}`):** Meaning "false" or "lying," this term is related when μάταιος refers to idols, which are inherently false gods.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** In the Septuagint (LXX), μάταιος is often used to translate Hebrew terms like:
* הֶבֶל (hebel, `{{H1892}}`): "vapor," "breath," "vanity." This word is central to the book of Ecclesiastes, where "all is הֶבֶל" (vanity) signifies the transient, meaningless, and ultimately futile nature of life apart from God.
* שָׁוְא (shav, `{{H7723}}`): "emptiness," "falsehood," "nothingness," often used for idols or deceitful things (e.g., "taking the Lord's name in שָׁוְא" - in vain/falsehood).
The conceptual overlap between μάταιος and these Hebrew terms highlights a consistent biblical critique of anything that purports to offer life, truth, or salvation but is ultimately empty and deceptive.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μάταιος (mátaios, `{{G3152}}`) is profound, touching upon several core doctrines:
* **Critique of Idolatry:** The most direct theological application of μάταιος is its condemnation of idols. By calling them "vain things" ([[Acts 14:15]]), the New Testament affirms the Old Testament's consistent message that idols are powerless, inanimate, and utterly incapable of providing help, salvation, or truth. Worshiping them is a futile endeavor, a turning away from the living God to dead, empty objects.
* **The Necessity of Christ's Resurrection:** The declaration that faith is μάταιος without the resurrection of Christ ([[1 Corinthians 15:17]]) underscores the absolute centrality of this historical event for Christian theology. Without the resurrection, the cross loses its redemptive power, and the Christian message becomes an empty philosophy rather than a life-transforming truth. It emphasizes that the gospel is not a "vain thing" but a powerful reality.
* **Genuine vs. Superficial Piety:** The use of μάταιος in [[James 1:26]] and [[Titus 3:9]] serves as a theological warning against a merely external or intellectual religiosity. True faith and godly living must manifest in tangible ways (e.g., bridling the tongue, avoiding divisive quarrels). Without such fruit, religious practice or theological debate becomes μάταιος – empty of spiritual efficacy and pleasing to God. This highlights the biblical emphasis on transformation and practical righteousness over mere ritual or intellectual assent.
* **Redemption from a Futile Existence:** [[1 Peter 1:18]] presents redemption as liberation from a μάταιος way of life. This signifies that humanity, apart from Christ, is prone to living a life characterized by emptiness, meaninglessness, and ultimately, eternal futility. The atoning work of Christ delivers believers from this inherited, profitless existence into a life of purpose, truth, and eternal hope.
### Summary
The Greek word μάταιος (mátaios, `{{G3152}}`) powerfully conveys the concept of emptiness, futility, and lack of substance. Rooted in the idea of "in vain," it describes anything that is without true purpose, profit, or reality. Biblically, μάταιος is primarily applied to:
1. **Idols:** Highlighting their inherent powerlessness and the futility of their worship.
2. **Faith without the Resurrection:** Emphasizing the indispensable nature of Christ's resurrection as the foundation for a truly effective and saving faith.
3. **Unprofitable Practices:** Denoting religious or intellectual pursuits that lack spiritual benefit or genuine fruit.
4. **The Unredeemed Way of Life:** Describing the inherent meaninglessness and ultimate destruction of a life lived apart from God.
In essence, μάταιος serves as a stark contrast to the living God and the substantial, life-giving truth found in Christ. It calls believers to discern and abandon all that is empty and profitless, embracing instead the eternal realities and transformative power of the gospel.
TRV