μάτην (matēn)
matēn
in vain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb matēn means "in vain" or "to no purpose." It describes actions that fail to achieve their intended goal, carrying a sense of fruitlessness or wasted effort. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.
Its usage highlights the emptiness of ritual without genuine devotion. Jesus employs this word when quoting Isaiah to criticize religious leaders who honor God with their lips while their hearts remain distant (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7). The term underscores that external observance, if disconnected from inner reality, is ultimately hollow and ineffective.
The word derives from a root suggesting unsuccessful search or futile endeavor. By using matēn, the Gospel writers emphasize that true worship cannot be reduced to mere performance. It serves as a stark reminder that God values sincere engagement over empty forms.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word matēn, meaning "in vain," reminds us that God sees beyond our outward actions to the condition of our hearts. It describes efforts that look impressive on the surface but lack genuine connection with Him. When religious rituals become empty performances, they miss the point entirely.
This truth invites you to examine where your energy is going. Are you striving for approval from others, or seeking a real relationship with God? True worship is not about perfect routines; it is about sincere devotion. God values authenticity over flawless execution.
Let this word encourage you to drop the mask. You do not need to perform perfectly to be loved by Him. Instead, bring your honest self, your struggles, and your simple faith. He meets you there, not in your achievements, but in your heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in vain1×
- In vain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μάτην2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 15:9
And they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’”
Jesus uses this word to quote Isaiah, highlighting how human traditions can replace genuine heart devotion.
-
Mark 7:7
They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
This parallel account reinforces the warning that external observance without inner reality is futile before God.