ματαιόω
mataióō
G3154 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To render futile, empty, or purposeless; to deprive of value or effectiveness; in passive, to become futile or be rendered worthless. The term can refer to mental or spiritual emptiness, ineffectiveness of speech or activity, or spiritual/moral failure, including turning away from proper devotion.
Semantic Range
to render futile, to make worthless, to deprive of force or effectiveness, to become futile (passive), to be rendered ineffectual or empty, to turn to that which is without value, to result in spiritual or intellectual fruitlessness
Root / Etymology
From the adjective μάταιος (futile, vain, empty, worthless, idle), with the denominative verbal ending -όω, forming a verb meaning 'to make futile' or 'to become futile'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ματαιόω is rare, but the related adjective μάταιος is common, meaning 'vain', 'empty', or 'worthless'. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, ματαιόω occurs chiefly in spiritual or moral contexts. In the LXX (e.g., 2 Kings 17:15; Jeremiah 2:5), it describes Israelites or Judeans turning to 'vanity'—often in the context of idolatry or lifeless worship, thus becoming 'futile' or 'worthless' themselves. In Romans 1:21, Paul describes peoples' thoughts as being rendered futile (ἐματαιώθησαν), indicating a moral and intellectual failure. English translations often render the verb as 'became vain,' 'became futile,' or 'became worthless,' though the concept extends beyond superficial vanity to deep-seated spiritual or existential fruitlessness. The English gloss 'become vain' may obscure the breadth of emptiness, futility, and loss of value implied by the word. Contrasts with related terms like ἀργός (idle), but ματαιόω emphasizes lack of purpose, substance, or value, not merely inactivity. The verb seldom carries a directly moral charge except in context—its negative force arises especially when contrasted with what is spiritually true, productive, or authentic.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μάταιος; to render (passively, become) foolish, i.e. (morally) wicked or (specially), idolatrous:--become vain.
Root Family
ματαιόω (mataioō) — empty, vain, futile, without result
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3154-01 |
ἐματαιώθησαν | emataiothesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
they became futile | they were rendered futile | they were rendered futile | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3154-01 |
Romans 1:21 | ἐματαιώθησαν | emataiothesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
they became futile | they were rendered futile | they were rendered futile |