Romans 1:21 - “futile” (Greek: mataiow - mataioo) 

•        The word translated “futile” carries the idea of both foolishness and wickedness. This word is often used in connection with idolatry (worshipping of idols)

 

•        Therefore when Paul tells us that the Gentiles’ “thinking had become futile” (Romans 1:21), he means that the Gentiles, “in refusing to recognize the true God, entertained foolish and wicked thoughts of the Divine Being; that is they sank into the folly and sin of idolatry” (Hodge, Commentary on Romans, p.39)