Strong's Lexicon

G3155

G3155 — μάτην

Greek entry for Bible study and original-language reference.

GreekmatenadverbOccurrences: 2

Definition / Gloss

Strong's Number:G3155
Word:μάτην
Part of Speech:adverb
Etymology:accusative case of a derivative of the base of G3145 (through the idea of tentative manipulation, i.e. unsuccessful search, or else of punishment)
Language:Greek
Occurrences:2
Transliteration:maten
Phonetic Spelling/Pronunciation:mat'-ayn
Meaning:1. folly 2. (adverbially) to no purpose, futilely
KJV Renderings:in vain

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Thayer's Greek Lexicon

μάτην (accusative (cf. Winers Grammar, 230 (216); Buttmann, § 131, 12) of μάτη, equivalent to ματία, a futile attempt, folly, fault), adverb, from Pindar, Aeschylus down, in vain, fruitlessly: Mat 15:9 and Mar 7:7, after Isa 29:13 the Sept..

Other Resources

Dictionary of New Testament Theology
Colin Brown

Englishman's Greek Concordance

μάτην (in vain)

Matthew 15:9

KJV: But in vain they do worship me teaching doctrines the commandments of men
GK: μάτην δε σέβονταί με διδάσκοντες διδασκαλίας εντάλματα ανθρώπων

Mark 7:7

KJV: Howbeit in vain do they worship me teaching doctrines the commandments of men
GK: μάτην δε σέβονταί με διδάσκοντες διδασκαλίας εντάλματα ανθρώπων
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