Dictionaries :: Repetitions (Use Vain)

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Repetitions (Use Vain):

"to repeat idly," is used in Mat 6:7, "use (not) vain repetitions;" the meaning "to stammer" is scarcely to be associated with this word. The word is probably from an Aramaic phrase and onomatopoeic in character. The rendering of the Sinaitic Syriac is "Do not be saying battalatha, idle things," i.e., meaningless and mechanically repeated phrases, the reference being to pagan (not Jewish) modes of prayer. Battalos, "the Gabbler," was a nickname for Demosthenes, the great orator, assigned to him by his rivals.