Lexical Summary eiké: In vain, without cause, for no purpose Original Word: εἰκῇ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without a cause, in vain. Probably from eiko (through the idea of failure); idly, i.e. Without reason (or effect) -- without a cause, (in) vain(-ly). see GREEK eiko HELPS Word-studies 1500 eikḗ – properly, without cause (ground), without basis and therefore not to be taken seriously (considered valid). This adverb suggests, "What goes to no purpose . . . ". NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb probably akin to hekón Definition without cause or reason, vainly NASB Translation nothing (1), vain (4), without cause (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1500: εἰκῇεἰκῇ (L WH Relz εἰκῇ; cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. ii., p. 342; Buttmann, 69 (61); (Winers Grammar, § 5, 4 e.; Jelf, § 324 Obs. 6; Kühner, § 336 Anm. 7; especially Etym. Magn. 78, 26f; and references under the word Iota)), adverb; in Greek writings from Aeschylus down; 1. inconsiderately, without purpose, without just cause: Matthew 5:22 R G Tr brackets; Romans 13:4 (i. e. 'not to hide it in the scabbard, but to draw it' Fritzsche); Colossians 2:18. 2. in vain; without success or effect: 1 Corinthians 15:2; Galatians 3:4; Galatians 4:11. (From Xenophon, Aeschylus down.) Strong’s Greek 1500 captures the idea of doing, believing, or experiencing something “for no purpose,” “without result,” or “groundlessly.” It confronts empty effort, hollow confidence, or baseless self-assertion and therefore serves as a searching word wherever true faith, authentic discipleship, and godly authority are at stake. New Testament Occurrences 1. Romans 13:4 Romans 13:4 — Civil Authority and Meaningful Justice “For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain.” Civil rulers possess a divine commission; their disciplinary power is not an empty threat but a real means of curbing evil. The term emphasizes that God-given authority must produce substantive justice, not mere symbolism. Conversely, the governed are warned that rebellion invites genuine consequences. 1 Corinthians 15:2 — The Gospel that Saves or Exposes Empty Belief “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you; otherwise you have believed in vain.” Resurrection truth is non-negotiable. Superficial assent detached from persevering faith nullifies the intended saving effect of the gospel proclamation. The verse challenges nominal Christianity and underscores that genuine conversion always bears persevering fruit. Galatians 3:4 and 4:11 — Suffering and Labor That Must Not Be Wasted Galatians 3:4: “Have you suffered so much for nothing—if indeed it was for nothing?” Galatians 4:11: “I fear for you, that I have labored over you in vain.” The word frames both the believers’ past endurance and Paul’s pastoral toil. Legalistic regression would render persecution and apostolic ministry fruitless. The passages summon churches to guard the purity of justification by faith, lest previous sacrifice lose its intended harvest. Colossians 2:18 — Empty Pride Versus Christ-Centered Worship “Do not allow anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels to disqualify you, with claims about what he has seen. He is puffed up without reason by his unspiritual mind.” Here the term exposes visionary mysticism and false asceticism as groundless arrogance. The verse directs believers away from speculative religious experiences toward the sufficiency of Christ as Head of the Church. Theological Themes 1. Authenticity: Faith and ministry are judged by lasting fruit, not appearance. Historical and Pastoral Significance Early believers faced social ostracism and state pressure. Paul employs this adverb to assure them that God never squanders obedient suffering, while also warning against movements—legalistic or mystical—that offered a spirituality ultimately proven hollow. Throughout church history the word has fortified martyrs, sharpened doctrinal clarity during councils, and fueled reformations by separating weighty truth from vain tradition. Ministry Applications • Preaching: Anchor sermons in the resurrection and lordship of Christ so that hearers do not “believe in vain.” Conclusion The six New Testament uses of Strong’s Greek 1500 form a concise yet potent warning against futility—and simultaneously an invitation to purposeful, Christ-exalting living. Wherever this word appears, it calls the reader to exchange vanity for substance, legalism for grace, and hollow religion for the living power of the risen Lord. Englishman's Concordance Romans 13:4 AdvGRK: οὐ γὰρ εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν NAS: the sword for nothing; for it is a minister KJV: not the sword in vain: for he is INT: not indeed in vain the sword 1 Corinthians 15:2 Adv Galatians 3:4 Adv Galatians 3:4 Adv Galatians 4:11 Adv Colossians 2:18 Adv |
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