accusative case of a derivative of the base of μασσάομαι (through the idea of tentative manipulation, i.e. unsuccessful search, or else of punishment); folly, i.e. (adverbially) to no purpose:--in vain.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb μάτην (matēn), derived from the base of μασσάομαι (massaomai) through the idea of "tentative manipulation" or "unsuccessful search," signifies "to no purpose," "in vain," "fruitlessly," or "uselessly." It conveys the idea of an action, effort, or belief that yields no desired, positive, or lasting outcome. The underlying sense is one of futility or emptiness. While primarily an adverb describing the manner of an action, its etymological roots can also imply "folly" or the consequence of misguided action, highlighting the inherent lack of wisdom in pursuing something that proves ultimately worthless. It stands in direct opposition to anything purposeful, effective, or divinely sanctioned.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μάτην (matēn) appears eight times in the New Testament, consistently carrying the sense of futility or lack of purpose:
* **Worship and Tradition:** In [[Matthew 15:9]] and [[Mark 7:7]], Jesus quotes [[Isaiah 29:13]] to condemn the religious practices of the Pharisees: "But in vain (μάτην) do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." Here, μάτην underscores the emptiness and unacceptability of worship that prioritizes human tradition and external observance over genuine devotion and divine command. Such worship is devoid of true spiritual efficacy.
* **Divine Authority and Justice:** [[Romans 13:4]] states concerning governing authorities, "For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain (μάτην)." This verse asserts that the state's power to punish is not idle or without purpose; it is divinely ordained to maintain order and execute justice. The sword is not borne uselessly, but with a specific, effective function.
* **The Nature of Faith:** In [[1 Corinthians 15:2]], Paul speaks of the gospel by which believers are saved, "if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain (μάτην)." Here, μάτην refers to a faith that is superficial, non-transformative, or ultimately unfruitful. It implies a belief that lacks true saving power or genuine commitment, rendering it empty and without lasting benefit.
* **Apostolic Labor and Suffering:** Paul uses μάτην to express concern over the potential futility of his ministry and the experiences of believers:
* [[Galatians 3:4]]: "Have you suffered so many things in vain (μάτην)—if indeed it was in vain?" Paul questions whether the trials and persecutions endured by the Galatians for the sake of the gospel might prove pointless if they abandon grace for legalism.
* [[Galatians 4:11]]: "I am afraid for you, lest I have labored among you in vain (μάτην)." Paul fears his arduous missionary work and teaching might be rendered fruitless if the Galatians revert to a legalistic understanding of salvation.
* [[Philippians 2:16]]: "holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have reason to glory that I did not run in vain (μάτην) or labor in vain (μάτην)." Paul desires that his life's pursuit and apostolic efforts would be purposeful and lead to genuine spiritual transformation in others, ensuring his work is not empty or without eternal reward.
* **The Authority of Scripture:** [[James 4:5]] asks rhetorically, "Or do you think that the Scripture speaks in vain (μάτην): 'He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us'?" This use of μάτην emphasizes that divine revelation is never meaningless or without truth. Scripture's words are purposeful and authoritative, carrying profound theological weight.
Across these contexts, μάτην consistently highlights the absence of true purpose, efficacy, or positive outcome, often implying a tragic waste of effort or a dangerous spiritual emptiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
μάτην (matēn) is closely related to a cluster of Greek words that share the semantic field of emptiness, futility, and lack of substance:
* `{{G3153}}` (μάταιος, mataios): An adjective meaning "vain," "empty," "worthless," "useless." E.g., [[Acts 14:15]] ("turn from these vain things").
* `{{G3152}}` (ματαιότης, mataiotēs): A noun meaning "futility," "vanity," "emptiness." E.g., [[Romans 8:20]] ("subjected to futility").
* `{{G2756}}` (κενός, kenos): An adjective meaning "empty," "vain," "hollow." E.g., [[1 Corinthians 15:10]] ("his grace toward me was not in vain").
* `{{G2767}}` (κενοφωνία, kenophōnia): A noun meaning "empty talk," "vain babbling." E.g., [[1 Timothy 6:20]].
* `{{G691}}` (ἀργός, argos): An adjective meaning "idle," "lazy," "unprofitable," "useless." E.g., [[Matthew 12:36]] ("every idle word").
These terms collectively underscore the biblical emphasis on purposeful, fruitful, and authentic living in contrast to anything superficial, unproductive, or devoid of divine truth. Concepts such as true worship, genuine faith, effective ministry, and the authoritative nature of God's Word stand in direct opposition to anything described as μάτην.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μάτην (matēn) is profound, serving as a critical lens through which to evaluate spiritual authenticity and efficacy:
* **Authenticity in Worship:** The condemnation of worship offered "in vain" (μάτην) in [[Matthew 15:9]] and [[Mark 7:7]] is a foundational critique of outward religious observance devoid of inward truth and obedience. True worship must be from the heart, in spirit and truth, prioritizing God's commands over human traditions. Any worship that fails this standard is rendered meaningless in God's sight.
* **Divine Purpose and Sovereignty:** The assertion that governing authorities do not bear the sword "in vain" (μάτην) in [[Romans 13:4]] highlights God's purposeful establishment of human authority. It underscores the divine intention behind societal structures and the execution of justice, reinforcing the idea that God's actions and appointments are never arbitrary or without effect.
* **The Nature of True Faith and Salvation:** The warning against believing "in vain" (μάτην) in [[1 Corinthians 15:2]] emphasizes that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent or a temporary emotional experience. It must be a steadfast, transformative commitment to the gospel that yields enduring fruit and leads to salvation. A faith that is μάτην is superficial and ultimately leads to condemnation.
* **Integrity of Apostolic Ministry:** Paul's repeated concern about laboring or running "in vain" (μάτην) in [[Galatians 3:4]], [[Galatians 4:11]], and [[Philippians 2:16]] reveals the deep spiritual investment and earnest desire for genuine spiritual results in his ministry. It underscores the biblical imperative for ministers to preach and live in a way that produces true discipleship and lasting spiritual transformation, not merely outward conformity. It also highlights the responsibility of believers to persevere in faith, lest the efforts made on their behalf become fruitless.
* **Infallibility of Scripture:** The rhetorical question in [[James 4:5]]—"Or do you think that the Scripture speaks in vain (μάτην)?"—affirms the inherent truthfulness, purpose, and power of God's Word. Scripture is never without meaning or effect; it is a living, active revelation of divine will and character, always accomplishing God's purposes.
In essence, μάτην serves as a stark reminder against superficiality, human-centeredness, and unfruitfulness in the Christian life. It underscores the necessity of divine purpose, truth, and efficacy in all spiritual endeavors, contrasting sharply with any action, belief, or effort that lacks true spiritual substance or divine approval.
### Summary
The Greek adverb μάτην (matēn) precisely conveys the idea of something done "to no purpose," "in vain," or "fruitlessly." Its usage in the New Testament is consistently employed to highlight futility, emptiness, or a lack of desired outcome. Contexts include the condemnation of worship based on human tradition rather than divine command ([[Matthew 15:9]], [[Mark 7:7]]), the affirmation of God's purposeful establishment of authority ([[Romans 13:4]]), warnings against a superficial or non-transformative faith ([[1 Corinthians 15:2]]), and Paul's deep concern that his apostolic labor and the suffering of believers might prove without lasting spiritual benefit ([[Galatians 3:4]], [[Galatians 4:11]], [[Philippians 2:16]]). Furthermore, it affirms the inherent truth and purpose of Scripture ([[James 4:5]]). Theologically, μάτην underscores the biblical emphasis on genuine, purposeful, and God-centered living and ministry, serving as a powerful warning against any endeavor that lacks true spiritual efficacy or divine approval, reminding believers that true spiritual endeavors must bear fruit and align with God's will.
TRV