# vain

## Related Ideas:

for no reason, for nothing, futile, futility, meaningless, of no value, useless, vanity

## Definition:

The term "vain" describes things that are useless or have no purpose. Vain things are worthless.

* The term "vanity" refers to worthlessness. It can also refer to pride or arrogance.
* In the Old Testament, idols are described as vain things that cannot deliver or save. They are worthless and have no use or purpose.
* If something was done "in vain," it means that there was no good result from it. The effort or action did not accomplish anything. It was futile.
* To "believe in vain" means to believe in something that is not true and that gives false hope.

## Translation Suggestions:

* Depending on the context, the term "vain" could be translated as "empty" or "useless" or "futile" or "worthless" or "meaningless" or "of no value."
* The phrase "in vain" could be translated as "without result" or "with no result" or "for no reason" or "with no purpose."
* The term "vanity" could be translated as "pride" or "nothing worthwhile" or "hopelessness."

(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, G255, G512, G692, G889, G945, G1500, G2756, G2757, G2758, G2761, G3151, G3152, G3153, G3155

## Forms Found in the English ULB:

for no reason, for nothing, futile, futility, meaningless, of no value, useless, uselessly, vain, vain plans, vanity, without meaning


