# vain, vanity

## Definition:

The terms “vain” and “vanity” describe something that is useless or extremely temporary.

* In the Old Testament, idols are sometimes described as “vain” things that are worthless and cannot do anything.
* If something is done “in vain,” it means that there the effort or action did not accomplish what was intended. The phrase “in vain” might be translated in various ways, including: “without result;” “with no result;” “for no reason;” “for no purpose,” or “with no purpose.”
* Depending on the context, the term “vain” could be translated as “empty,” “useless,” “hopeless,” “worthless,” “meaningless,” etc.

(See also: [false god](../kt/falsegod.md), [worthy](../kt/worthy.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Corinthians 15:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/1co/15/01)
* [1 Samuel 25:21-22](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/25/21)
* [2 Peter 02:18](rc://en/tn/help/2pe/02/18)
* [Isaiah 45:19](rc://en/tn/help/isa/45/19)
* [Jeremiah 02:29-31](rc://en/tn/help/jer/02/29)
* [Matthew 15:09](rc://en/tn/help/mat/15/09)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H1891, H1892, H2600, H7307, H7385, H7387, H7723, H8193, H8267, H8414, G945, G1500, G2756, G2758, G2761, G3151, G3152, G3153, G3155