vain conversation] So called because it did proceed from the vanitie of their mindes, Ephesians 6:17. and because of the unprofitablenesse of it. Hab. 2. 13. Romans 6:21. tradition] That is, either by their example or teaching: Some suppose that here the Apostle intends those idle and Pharisaicall traditions which they had learned from their fathers. fathers] Ezekiel 20:18.