Words the Bible translates as in vain
English uses one word here. The Bible uses 9 words, and they do not mean the same thing. Each is listed with what it actually means, most frequent first.
- sheqerשֶׁקֶרfalsehood: that which has no truth or reality behind it, whether a spoken lie, a betrayal in action, or a hope that comes to nothing
- kenosκενόςempty: containing nothing, whether a hand with nothing in it, words with no truth in them, or effort that comes to nothing
- ḥinnamחִנָּםfor nothing: an act done with nothing paid for it, nothing to warrant it, or nothing gained by it
- dōreanδωρεάνfor nothing: with nothing given in exchange, whether that is a price, a reason, or a result
- matēnμάτηνin vainnot studied yet
- tohuתֹּהוּemptiness: something drained of its proper contents and so unable to serve its purpose, from a trackless desert to a worthless idol to the unformed earth
- reqamרֵיקָםempty-handed: with nothing to show for it, whether one comes or goes with no goods, acts to no effect, or acts for no reason.
- riqרִיקemptiness that yields nothing: a container with nothing in it, and so work, strength, or scheming that comes back with no result
- eikēεἰκῇfor nothing: without a valid reason behind it, or without any real result from it
Keep looking
Every English meaning beginning with I is on its letter page, and the whole index starts at Browse.