Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage: The term "vain" in the Bible often refers to something that is empty, futile, or lacking in substance and purpose. It is used to describe actions, words, or thoughts that are devoid of true value or effectiveness. The concept of vanity is frequently associated with idolatry, pride, and the misuse of God's name.Biblical References: 1. Idolatry and Futility: In the Old Testament, the prophets often speak against the worship of idols, describing such practices as vain. Jeremiah 10:3-5 highlights the futility of idol worship: "For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good." 2. The Third Commandment: The misuse of God's name is addressed in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:7 states, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." This commandment underscores the importance of reverence for God's name and the seriousness of using it carelessly or disrespectfully. 3. Human Pride and Vanity: The Bible often warns against human pride and the pursuit of vain glory. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the vanity of human endeavors apart from God. Ecclesiastes 1:2 declares, "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!" This book emphasizes the emptiness of life when it is lived without regard for God and His purposes. 4. Vain Worship: Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of His time for their vain worship, which is based on human traditions rather than God's commandments. In Matthew 15:8-9 , He quotes Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men." 5. Vain Words and Promises: The New Testament also addresses the issue of vain words and promises. In Ephesians 5:6 , Paul warns, "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience." This passage cautions believers against being swayed by deceptive and meaningless rhetoric. Theological Implications: The concept of vanity in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's will and purposes. It calls believers to examine their actions, words, and motivations to ensure they are not pursuing empty or futile endeavors. The Bible consistently points to the eternal value found in a life dedicated to God, contrasting it with the transient and ultimately unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (superl.) Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying.2. (superl.) Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt. 3. (superl.) Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; having a high opinion of one's own accomplishments with slight reason; conceited; puffed up; inflated. 4. (superl.) Showy; ostentatious. 5. (n.) Vanity; emptiness; -- now used only in the phrase in vain. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia VAINvan: The adjective of "vanity," and representing the same Hebrew and Greek words as does the latter, with a few additions (chiefly kenos, "empty," and its compounds in the New Testament). And "vain" can always be replaced by its synonym "empty," often with advantage in modern English (Job 15:2 1 Corinthians 15:14, etc.). The exception is the phrase "in vain," and even there the interchange can be made if some (understood) noun such as "ways" be added. So "to take God's name in vain" (Exodus 20:7 Deuteronomy 5:11) means simply to take it for an "empty" ("not good") purpose. Greek 3152. mataios -- vain, useless ... vain, useless. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: mataios Phonetic Spelling: (mat'-ah-yos) Short Definition: vain, unproductive, godless Definition: vain ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3152.htm - 7k 3155. maten -- in vain, to no purpose 2761. kenos -- in vain 3154. mataioo -- to make vain, foolish 2756. kenos -- empty 1500. eike -- without cause or reason, vainly 3151. mataiologos -- talking idly 3150. mataiologia -- idle or foolish talk 1432. dorean -- as a gift, to no purpose 2758. kenoo -- to empty Strong's Hebrew 1891. habal -- to act emptily, become vain... 1890, 1891. habal. 1892 . to act emptily, become vain. Transliteration: habal Phonetic Spelling: (haw-bal') Short Definition: foolishly. ... be become, make vain ... /hebrew/1891.htm - 6k 7386. req -- empty, vain 7723. shav -- emptiness, vanity 2600. chinnam -- out of favor 1892. hebel -- vapor, breath 8267. sheqer -- deception, disappointment, falsehood 7385. riyq -- to make empty, empty out 7385b. riq -- emptiness, vanity 8414. tohu -- formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness 205. aven -- trouble, sorrow, wickedness Library Vain Toil Smitten in Vain Vain Hopes. Of the Vain Nemesiaci. Vain Repentance. It is in Vain Therefore for the Modern Christian... Of Philosophy, and How Vain was Its Occupation in Setting Forth ... How Vain and Trifling are the Interpretations of the Stoics ... Opposition to Messiah in Vain He Thought it a Vain Thing to See Glorious Principles Lie Buried ... Thesaurus Vain (141 Occurrences)... 2. (superl.) Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. VAIN. ... /v/vain.htm - 36k Vain-glory (3 Occurrences) Vain-words (1 Occurrence) Vain-talkers (1 Occurrence) Vain-glorious (2 Occurrences) Vainly (4 Occurrences) Laboured (34 Occurrences) Vainglory (2 Occurrences) Jangling (1 Occurrence) Futile (12 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to use vain repetitions in prayer? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Vain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Vain (141 Occurrences)Matthew 6:7 Matthew 15:9 Mark 7:7 Luke 6:42 Luke 12:56 Acts 4:25 Acts 14:15 Romans 1:21 Romans 4:14 Romans 13:4 1 Corinthians 1:17 1 Corinthians 3:20 1 Corinthians 9:15 1 Corinthians 15:2 1 Corinthians 15:10 1 Corinthians 15:14 1 Corinthians 15:17 1 Corinthians 15:58 2 Corinthians 6:1 2 Corinthians 9:3 Galatians 2:2 Galatians 2:21 Galatians 3:4 Galatians 4:11 Galatians 5:26 Ephesians 5:6 Philippians 2:3 Philippians 2:16 1 Thessalonians 2:1 1 Thessalonians 3:5 1 Timothy 1:6 1 Timothy 6:20 2 Timothy 2:16 2 Timothy 3:4 Titus 1:10 Titus 3:9 James 1:26 James 2:20 James 4:5 1 Peter 1:18 1 John 2:16 Exodus 5:9 Exodus 20:7 Exodus 23:1 Leviticus 26:16 Leviticus 26:20 Deuteronomy 5:11 Deuteronomy 32:47 Judges 9:4 Judges 11:3 1 Samuel 12:21 1 Samuel 17:39 1 Samuel 25:21 2 Samuel 6:20 2 Samuel 18:13 2 Kings 17:15 2 Kings 18:20 2 Chronicles 13:7 Job 3:9 Job 9:29 Job 11:11 Job 11:12 Job 15:2 Job 16:3 Job 21:34 Job 24:1 Job 27:12 Job 35:16 Job 39:16 Job 41:9 Psalms 2:1 Psalms 4:2 Psalms 24:4 Psalms 26:4 Psalms 31:6 Psalms 33:17 Psalms 39:6 Psalms 60:11 Psalms 62:10 Psalms 73:13 Psalms 89:47 Psalms 108:12 Psalms 116:11 Psalms 119:113 Psalms 119:118 Psalms 127:1 Psalms 127:2 Psalms 139:20 Proverbs 1:17 Proverbs 12:11 Proverbs 13:10 Proverbs 14:6 Proverbs 28:19 Proverbs 30:9 Proverbs 31:30 Ecclesiastes 4:7 Ecclesiastes 6:12 Ecclesiastes 7:15 Ecclesiastes 9:9 Isaiah 1:13 Subtopics Related Terms |