This adjective appears in Titus 1:10, where Paul warns about rebellious people, empty talkers, and deceivers, especially those from the circumcision party. The word combines μάταιος (vain) with λόγος (word/speech), describing those whose teaching lacks truth and substance. These individuals are not merely mistaken but insubordinate, leading whole households astray for dishonest gain. Paul's description suggests people who use religious language to promote false teaching, whose eloquence masks emptiness of content and corruption of motive. They must be silenced to protect the community of faith.