Vain, in Vain, Vainly - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Vain, in Vain, Vainly
[ A-1,Adjective,G2756, kenos ]empty," with special reference to quality, is translated "vain" (as an adjective) in Acts 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Corinthians 15:14 (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,Adjective,G3152, mataios ]
"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.
Note: For mataiologoi, Titus 1:10, See TALKERS (vain).
[ B-1,Verb,G3154, mataioo ]
"to make vain, or foolish," corresponding in meaning to A, No. 2, occurs in Romans 1:21, "became vain."
[ B-2,Verb,G2758, kenoo ]
"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,Adverb,G3155, maten ]
properly the accusative case of mate, "a fault, a folly," signifies "in vain, to no purpose," Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7.
[ C-2,Adverb,G1432, dorean ]
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,Adverb,G1500, eike ]
denotes
(a) "without cause," "vainly," Colossians 2:18;
(b) "to no purpose," "in vain," Romans 13:4; Galatians 3:4 (twice); Galatians 4:11. See CAUSE, A, Note
(1), under "without a cause."