Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H1891 (הָבַל, hābal): To become vain, to act emptily or foolishly.
• H7386 (רִיק, riq): Emptiness, vanity, or worthlessness.
• H8414 (תֹּהוּ, tōhû): Formlessness, confusion, or emptiness.

These Hebrew terms share a thematic connection with ματαιόω, emphasizing the concept of vanity and the lack of substance or purpose when one is separated from the truth and wisdom of God.

Usage: The verb ματαιόω is used in the New Testament to describe the process of rendering something ineffective or void, often in a spiritual or moral context. It conveys the idea of making something purposeless or without value.

Context: The Greek verb ματαιόω appears in the New Testament to express the concept of futility or emptiness, particularly in relation to human thoughts, actions, or beliefs that are devoid of divine truth or purpose. This term is used to highlight the contrast between human endeavors that are grounded in worldly wisdom and those that are rooted in the eternal truth of God.

In Romans 1:21, the Apostle Paul uses ματαιόω to describe the state of those who, despite knowing God, fail to honor Him as God. Their thinking becomes futile, and their foolish hearts are darkened: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts" (BSB). This passage underscores the spiritual decline that occurs when individuals reject the knowledge of God, leading to a life characterized by vanity and moral decay.

The concept of ματαιόω is also relevant in discussions of idolatry and false worship, where human efforts to create meaning apart from God result in emptiness and spiritual barrenness. The term serves as a warning against the dangers of relying on human wisdom and understanding, which, apart from God, are ultimately futile.