Greek · G3155 · unreviewed

μάτην

In vain

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

μάτην G3155
Pronunciation mátēn

What does μάτην (mátēn) mean in the Bible?

μάτην (mátēn) is a Greek word meaning "in vain". μάτην (prop.

Full entry for μάτην (G3155) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

in vain
Extended definition

Futile effort or speech that fails to achieve its intended purpose or desired result.

(prop. accusative of μάτη, a fault, folly), adv., [in LXX for הָבַל, שָׁוְא, etc. ;] in vain, to no purpose: Mat.15:9, Mrk.7:7" (LXX) .

Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Grammatical Forms

How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.

Matt 15:9 · Mark 7:7
Biblical Occurrences

Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.

Appears In

Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources