Meaning
"empty," with special reference to quality, is translated "vain" (as an adjective) in Act 4:25, 1Co 15:10, 1Co 15:14 (twice); Eph 5:6, Col 2:8, Jam 2:20; in the following the neuter, kenon, follows the preposition eis, "in," and denotes "in vain," 2Co 6:1, Gal 2:2, Phi 2:16 (twice); 1Th 3:5. See EMPTY, B, where the applications are enumerated.
"void of result," is used of (a) idolatrous practices, Act 14:15, RV, "vain things" (AV, "vanities"); (b) the thoughts of the wise, 1Co 3:20; (c) faith, if Christ is not risen, 1Co 15:17; (d) questionings, strifes, etc., Tit 3:9; (e) religion, with an unbridled tongue, Jam 1:26; (f) manner of life, 1Pe 1:18. For the contrast between No. 1 and No. 2 see EMPTY.
Note: For mataiologoi, Tit 1:10, see TALKERS (vain).
"to make vain, or foolish," corresponding in meaning to A, No. 2, occurs in Rom 1:21, "became vain."
"to empty," corresponding to A, No. 1, is translated "should be in vain" in 2Co 9:3, AV. See EFFECT, EMPTY, VOID.
properly the accusative case of mate, "a fault, a folly," signifies "in vain, to no purpose," Mat 15:9, Mar 7:7.
the accusative of dorea, "a gift," is used adverbially, denoting (a) "freely" (see FREE, D); (b) "uselessly," "in vain," Gal 2:21, AV (RV, "for nought"). See CAUSE, A, under "without a cause."
denotes (a) "without cause," "vainly," Col 2:18; (b) "to no purpose," "in vain," Rom 13:4, Gal 3:4 (twice); Gal 4:11. See CAUSE, A, Note (1), under "without a cause."
