Lexical Summary kenodoxia: Vainglory, empty conceit, vanity Original Word: κενδοξία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance vainglory, vanity, conceitFrom kenodoxos; empty glorying, i.e. Self-conceit -- vain-glory. see GREEK kenodoxos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2754 kenodoksía – "a state of pride which is without basis or justification – 'empty pride, cheap pride, vain pride' " (L & N, 1, 88.221), used only in Phil 2:3. See 2755 (kenodoksos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kenodoxos Definition vainglory NASB Translation empty conceit (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2754: κενοδοξίακενοδοξία, κενοδοξίας, ἡ (κενόδοξος, which see), vain-glory, groundless self-esteem, empty pride: Philippians 2:3. (4 Macc. 2:15; 8:18; Polybius, Plutarch, Lucian; (Philo de mut. nom. § 15; leg. ad Gaium § 16; etc.); ecclesiastical writings; universally, a vain opinion, error, Wis. 14:14.) Topical Lexicon Kenodoxia (Vain Glory, Empty Pride)Definition and Scope Kenodoxia combines kenos, “empty,” with doxa, “glory.” It pictures a glory that lacks substance—self-exaltation unsupported by spiritual reality. The English words “conceit,” “vainglory,” or “empty pride” capture the sense. Biblical Setting Philippians 2:3 sets kenodoxia in deliberate contrast to the humility modeled by Jesus Christ: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves”. The verse stands within a section (Philippians 2:1-11) that calls the church to unity through self-denial and then presents the incarnation and cross of Christ as the ultimate antidote to self-seeking honor. Theological Themes 1. False Versus True Glory. Scripture distinguishes between the counterfeit glory people claim for themselves (Psalm 115:1; Isaiah 42:8) and the true glory that belongs to God and is shared with His people only by grace (Romans 2:7; 2 Corinthians 4:6). Kenodoxia therefore assaults the divine prerogative. Old Testament Parallels • Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction.” These texts frame kenodoxia as a well-known spiritual danger long before the apostolic era. Later Apostolic Teaching Although kenodoxia itself appears only in Philippians 2:3, the cognate adjective kenodoxos describes those who are “conceited” (Galatians 5:26). Paul, Peter, and James repeatedly warn against pride in varied language (Romans 12:3; 1 Peter 5:5; James 4:6). The same concept underlies the “boastful” characteristic of the last days (2 Timothy 3:2). Historical and Cultural Context Roman civic life prized public honor. Patronage, status symbols, and rhetorical skill provided avenues for self-promotion. The Philippian believers, living in a Roman colony proud of its citizenship privileges (Acts 16:12, 21), faced constant social pressure to pursue recognition. Paul’s rebuke of kenodoxia calls them to swim against the cultural current and to adopt the cruciform pattern of Christ. Pastoral and Practical Application 1. Worship. Kenodoxia shifts the focus of worship from God to the performer. Leaders must guard corporate gatherings against entertainment-driven ostentation (compare Matthew 6:1-6). Contrasts and Parallels Kenodoxia versus: Warnings and Promises God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Those who seek their own glory will be humbled, while those who humble themselves under God’s mighty hand will be exalted at the proper time (1 Peter 5:6). Implications for Mission and Service True gospel ministry draws attention to Christ, not the messenger (2 Corinthians 4:5). Mission efforts marked by kenodoxia may achieve outward success yet lose eternal reward (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Faithful servants resist the temptation to sensationalism, laboring instead for the commendation of God (2 Corinthians 10:18). Summary Kenodoxia is the empty quest for self-generated glory. Rooted in pride and opposed to the mind of Christ, it fractures Christian community and thwarts divine purposes. Believers are called to renounce this vanity, embrace humble service, and seek the only glory that endures—the glory that comes from God through the self-giving obedience of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations κενοδοξιαν κενοδοξίαν kenodoxian kenodoxíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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