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 word **mátēn**, represented by `{{G3155}}`, adverbially means to do something **in vain** or to no purpose. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's meaning is derived from the idea of an unsuccessful search or folly, highlighting an action that is ultimately futile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In both of its biblical appearances, `{{G3155}}` is used to describe a specific type of invalid worship. It qualifies religious devotion as being **in vain** when it is based on **teaching** for **doctrines** the **commandments** of men ([[Matthew 15:9]]; [[Mark 7:7]]). This context directly links the futility of an action to the human origin of its guiding religious precepts, showing that such worship is to no purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify why the worship described is considered **in vain**:
* `{{G4576}}` **sébomai** (to revere, i.e. adore): This is the act of **worship** that is rendered futile by `{{G3155}}`. The term is also used to describe **devout** or **religious** people [[Acts 13:43]], but when connected to **mátēn**, it demonstrates that reverence can be empty if its foundation is flawed [[Matthew 15:9]].
* `{{G1321}}` **didáskō** (to teach): This is the action that transmits the flawed basis for worship. The validity of what is being **taught** determines whether the resulting reverence has value [[Mark 7:7]].
* `{{G1319}}` **didaskalía** (instruction... doctrine, learning, teaching): This is the content being taught. When human commandments are presented as divine **doctrine**, the worship that follows is **in vain** [[Matthew 15:9]]. Scripture contrasts sound doctrine with the doctrines of men [[Colossians 2:22]].
* `{{G1778}}` **éntalma** (an injunction, i.e. religious precept): This word identifies the source of the invalid doctrines as the **commandments** of men, placing them in opposition to divine instruction [[Mark 7:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3155}}` centers on the authenticity and foundation of religious practice.
* **The Basis of Worship:** The word establishes a critical distinction that worship (**sébomai**) is nullified when its substance consists of the **commandments** of men rather than God's word ([[Matthew 15:9]]; [[Mark 7:7]]).
* **The Authority of Doctrine:** `{{G3155}}` serves as a warning against elevating human tradition to the level of divine **doctrine** (**didaskalía**). This is contrasted with sound doctrine, which is profitable for instruction [[2 Timothy 3:16]].
* **Futile Religious Activity:** The term highlights that religious actions are judged not by their outward appearance but by their source. An action performed **in vain** is a purposeless effort, regardless of the devotion of the person performing it.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3155}}` is more than a general term for futility; it is a specific theological critique. It defines as **in vain** any worship founded on human precepts that are taught as divine doctrine. The word serves as a concise and powerful warning that the source of what is **taught** and believed is essential for authentic reverence. It illustrates that substituting the commandments of men for God's own instruction renders worship empty and to no purpose.
TRV