Reference: Vanity
American
Does not usually denote, in Scripture, self-conceit or personal pride, 2Pe 2:18, but sometimes emptiness and fruitlessness, Job 7:3; Ps 144:4; Ec 1. It often denotes wickedness, particularly falsehood, De 32:21; Ps 4:2; 24:4; 119:37, and sometimes idols and idol-worship, 2Ki 17:15; Jer 2:5; 18:15; Jon 2:8. Compare Paul's expression, "they turned the truth of God into a lie," Ro 1:25. "In vain," in the second commandment, Ex 20:7, is unnecessarily and irreverently. "Vain men," 2Sa 6:20; 2Ch 13:7, are dissolute and worthless fellows.
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because they changed the true God for false gods, and adored and worshipped created things rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
For speaking great swelling words of vanity, they allure in the lusts of the flesh, by dissolute ways, such as were in some measure escaping from those who live in error;
Hastings
The root-idea of the word is 'emptiness.' Skeat suggests that the Lat. vanus (perhaps for vac-nus) is allied to vacuus 'empty.' In English literature 'vanity' signifies (1) emptiness, (2) falsity, (3) vainglory. The modern tendency is to confine its use to the last meaning. But 'vanity' in the sense of 'empty conceit' is not found in the English Bible.
1. In the OT.
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But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
For the creation was brought into subjection to vanity not of its own will, but by reason of him who put it into subjection,
For the creation was brought into subjection to vanity not of its own will, but by reason of him who put it into subjection,
and again: "The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain."
But by the grace of God I am what I am; and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
and if Christ hath not risen, then is our preaching vain, and vain also is your faith.
and if Christ hath not risen, then is our preaching vain, and vain also is your faith.
and if Christ hath not risen, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins;
and if Christ hath not risen, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins;
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, since ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
This therefore I say, and charge you in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the rest of the gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind,
This therefore I say, and charge you in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the rest of the gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God on account of the ignorance that is in them, on account of the hardness of their hearts;
but avoid foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and contentions about the Law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
If any one thinks that he is religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this mans religion is vain.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is idle?
For speaking great swelling words of vanity, they allure in the lusts of the flesh, by dissolute ways, such as were in some measure escaping from those who live in error; promising them liberty, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by the same is he also brought into bondage.