# vain, vanity, futile, futility, empty, useless, meaningless, for no reason, of no value ## Definition: The term "vain" describes something that is useless or has no purpose. Vain things are empty and worthless. * The term "vanity" refers to worthlessness or emptiness. 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. * 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 "hopeless" or "worthless" or "meaningless." * 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, G692, G889, G945, G1500, G2756, G2758, G2761, G3151, G3152, G3153, G3155