from μάταιος; to render (passively, become) foolish, i.e. (morally) wicked or (specially), idolatrous:--become vain.
Transliteration:mataióō
Pronunciation:mat-ah-yo'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ματαιόω (mataióō, `{{G3154}}`) derives directly from the adjective μάταιος (mataios, `{{G3152}}`), which signifies that which is empty, vain, futile, purposeless, or without substance. As a verb, ματαιόω therefore means "to make vain," "to render empty," or, more commonly in the passive voice, "to become vain," "to become foolish," or "to become futile." The semantic range extends beyond mere emptiness to encompass a moral and intellectual dimension, implying a deviation from truth and purpose, leading to foolishness, wickedness, or even idolatry. It describes a state where the mind or understanding is rendered ineffective or misguided, losing its proper function and direction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ματαιόω (mataióō, `{{G3154}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the pivotal theological discourse of Paul's letter to the Romans:
* [[Romans 1:21]]: "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." (NASB)
In this profound verse, the verb is used in the aorist passive indicative (ἐματαιώθησαν), emphasizing that "they *became* vain" or "they *were made* futile." This is presented as a direct consequence of humanity's failure to glorify God despite knowing Him. The "vanity" (ἐματαιώθησαν) is explicitly linked to their "speculations" or "reasonings" (διαλογισμοῖς, `{{G1261}}`) and the darkening of their "foolish heart" (ἀσύνετος, `{{G801}}`). The context of [[Romans 1]] describes a progression: humanity's suppression of the truth about God ([[Romans 1:18]]) leads to a rejection of His glory ([[Romans 1:21a]]), which in turn results in an intellectual and spiritual decline into futility (ἐματαιώθησαν) and moral darkness. This state of "becoming vain" is not merely an absence of understanding but an active perversion of thought that culminates in idolatry ([[Romans 1:23]]) and subsequent moral depravity ([[Romans 1:24-32]]). It reveals a divine judgment where God "gives them over" to the consequences of their own choices.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several terms illuminate the meaning of ματαιόω (mataióō, `{{G3154}}`):
* **μάταιος (mataios, `{{G3152}}`):** The adjective, meaning vain, empty, useless, or foolish. This is the root from which ματαιόω is formed, highlighting the state of emptiness or futility.
* **ματαιότης (mataiotes, `{{G3153}}`):** The noun, meaning vanity, futility, or emptiness. This term frequently appears in the Septuagint (LXX) as a translation for the Hebrew הֶבֶל (hebel, `{{H1892}}`) in Ecclesiastes, signifying the fleeting, insubstantial, and ultimately meaningless nature of life apart from God.
* **ἀσύνετος (asunetos, `{{G801}}`):** Meaning "without understanding" or "foolish." This word directly accompanies ματαιόω in [[Romans 1:21]], describing the state of the heart that has become vain.
* **σκοτίζω (skotizō, `{{G4656}}`):** To darken or obscure. Also used in [[Romans 1:21]] ("their foolish heart was darkened"), indicating the cognitive and spiritual blindness that accompanies becoming vain.
* **κενόω (kenoō, `{{G2758}}`):** To empty, make void. While distinct, it shares a conceptual overlap with ματαιόω in describing a state of being emptied, though ματαιόω specifically emphasizes a moral or intellectual emptiness.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** The concepts of vanity and futility are deeply rooted in the Old Testament. הֶבֶל (hebel, `{{H1892}}`) and שָׁוְא (shav, `{{H7723}}`) both convey ideas of emptiness, worthlessness, and falsehood, aligning with the semantic range of ματαιόω as it pertains to human endeavors and thought apart from God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ματαιόω (mataióō, `{{G3154}}`) is profound, particularly as illuminated by [[Romans 1:21]]. It articulates a critical aspect of humanity's fallen condition:
1. **Consequence of Rejecting God:** The "becoming vain" is presented as a direct, divinely-ordained consequence of humanity's deliberate choice to suppress the truth of God and refuse to honor or thank Him. It is not merely a passive lack of knowledge but an active state of intellectual and spiritual rebellion.
2. **Intellectual and Spiritual Decay:** The word highlights that without God as the ultimate referent, human thought, reasoning, and understanding become inherently futile and misguided. The mind, designed to comprehend and glorify God, becomes distorted and incapable of grasping true wisdom or purpose. This vanity leads to a "darkened heart," signifying a comprehensive spiritual blindness.
3. **Foundation for Idolatry and Immorality:** This intellectual futility (ἐματαιώθησαν) is the precursor to idolatry ([[Romans 1:23]]) and subsequent moral degradation ([[Romans 1:24-32]]). When the true God is rejected, the human mind invents false gods and false realities, leading to a breakdown of moral order.
4. **Divine Judgment:** Paul's use of ἐματαιώθησαν implies a form of divine judgment, where God allows humanity to experience the natural consequences of their rebellion. The "giving over" (παραδίδωμι, `{{G3860}}`) in [[Romans 1:24, 26, 28]] is inextricably linked to this initial "becoming vain."
5. **Contrast with True Wisdom:** The concept implicitly contrasts with true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord ([[Proverbs 9:10]]) and leads to understanding, purpose, and life. Without God, all human endeavors, thoughts, and systems are ultimately empty and without lasting value.
### Summary
ματαιόω (mataióō, `{{G3154}}`) is a potent Greek verb signifying the process of becoming empty, futile, or foolish, especially in a moral and intellectual sense. Its singular but highly significant occurrence in [[Romans 1:21]] powerfully depicts the spiritual and cognitive decline of humanity. This "becoming vain" in one's reasonings is presented as a direct consequence of refusing to acknowledge and glorify God, leading to a darkened understanding and a descent into idolatry and moral depravity. The term underscores that true wisdom and purpose are found only in relationship with God, and that apart from Him, human thought and life are ultimately characterized by futility and emptiness.
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