Lexical Summary kenoó: To empty, to make void, to nullify Original Word: κενόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance empty, make void, be in vain. From kenos; to make empty, i.e. (figuratively) to abase, neutralize, falsify -- make (of none effect, of no reputation, void), be in vain. see GREEK kenos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2758 kenóō – properly, to empty out, render void; (passive) be emptied – hence, without recognition, perceived as valueless (Phil 2:7). See 2756 (kenos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kenos Definition to empty NASB Translation emptied (1), made empty (1), made void (2), make...empty (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2758: κενόωκενόω, κενῷ: (future κενώσω, 1 Corinthians 9:15 L text T Tr WH); 1 aorist ἐκενωσα; passive, perfect κεκνωμαι; 1 aorist ἐκενωθην; 1. to empty, make empty: ἑαυτόν ἐκένωσε, namely, τοῦ εἶναι ἴσα Θεῷ or τῆς μορφῆς τοῦ Θεοῦ, i. e. he laid aside equality with or the form of God (said of Christ), Philippians 2:7 (see a fuller exposition of this passage in 2. to make void i. e. deprive of force, render vain, useless, of no effect: passive, Romans 4:14; 1 Corinthians 1:17. 3. to make void i. e. cause a thing to be seen to be empty, hollow, false: τό καύχημα, 1 Corinthians 9:15; passive 2 Corinthians 9:3. (Twice in the Sept. viz. Jeremiah 14:2; Jeremiah 15:9; often in Attic writings.) The verb κενόω appears five times in the New Testament, always conveying the idea of “emptying” or “rendering void.” Each context amplifies a distinct dimension of Christian faith and practice—Christ’s self-giving, the validity of promise, the integrity of ministry, the power of the cross, and the preservation of church reputation. Christological Center: Philippians 2:7 “...but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant...” (Philippians 2:7). Here κενόω anchors the classic “Kenosis Hymn.” The eternal Son does not relinquish deity but voluntarily sets aside the prerogatives of divine glory to assume true humanity. The action is purposive: He “emptied Himself” in order to be “obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). This text safeguards both Christ’s full divinity and full humanity while urging believers to adopt His mindset of self-sacrificing humility (Philippians 2:5). Historically, orthodox theology has treated this verse as a touchstone for understanding incarnation—rejecting notions that Christ ceased to be God, yet affirming the profound depth of His condescension. Pastors draw from this passage to model servant leadership and to ground ethical exhortations in Christ’s redemptive example. Covenantal Integrity: Romans 4:14 “For if those who are of the law become heirs, faith would be made void and the promise nullified” (Romans 4:14). Paul warns that reliance on Torah observance would κεκένωται (“render empty”) both faith and promise. The term stresses how human works cannot coexist as instrumental causes of justification; introducing law-keeping would drain the gospel of its power and make God’s covenantal word ineffective. This verse undergirds the Reformation emphasis on sola fide, demonstrating that grace and law-merit are mutually exclusive avenues to inheritance. Apostolic Self-Denial: 1 Corinthians 9:15 “I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my boast” (future κενώσει) (1 Corinthians 9:15). Paul anticipates the possibility that accepting financial support could “empty” his rightful boasting in free gospel proclamation. The apostle’s voluntary restraint exemplifies how personal liberties may be surrendered for kingdom advance, challenging modern ministry to evaluate motives and financial practices so that the message remains untainted. Protecting the Message: 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (1 Corinthians 1:17). Here κενωθῇ underscores a danger opposite to Romans 4:14: adding human sophistication (σοφία λόγου) can drain the cross of divine potency. Gospel ministers must rely on Spirit-empowered proclamation rather than rhetorical artifice, ensuring that hearers see God’s power, not the preacher’s polish. Guarding Reputation: 2 Corinthians 9:3 “I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter may not be empty” (κενωθῇ) (2 Corinthians 9:3). Paul dispatches trusted emissaries to guarantee that the Corinthian church’s promised generosity materializes. The verb highlights the importance of follow-through; unfulfilled pledges erode corporate testimony. Stewardship and accountability thus become vital expressions of gospel truthfulness. Historical Reception Early church fathers (e.g., Gregory of Nyssa, Athanasius) cited Philippians 2:7 to defend Nicene Christology, while Augustine employed Romans 4:14 to combat Pelagian views of meritorious works. Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin appealed to 1 Corinthians 1:17 to champion preaching focused on Christ crucified. Across centuries the verb has served as a theological litmus, exposing any teaching or practice that subtracts from God’s redemptive initiative. Ministry Implications 1. Emulate Christ’s self-emptying by embracing servant roles. Intercanonical Echoes The concept of “emptying” resonates with Old Testament imagery: the “pouring out” of life (Isaiah 53:12) and sacrificial libations (Numbers 28:7). In the New Testament, Paul’s own life becomes a “drink offering” (Philippians 2:17), reflecting Christ’s archetypal κένωσις and reinforcing the call to holistic self-giving. Summary Strong’s Greek 2758, κενόω, exposes any attempt—whether legalistic, rhetorical, financial, or ethical—to drain the gospel of its divine efficacy. Conversely, when believers willingly empty themselves of self-interest, they magnify the fullness of grace revealed in the incarnate, crucified, and exalted Lord. Englishman's Concordance Romans 4:14 V-RIM/P-3SGRK: νόμου κληρονόμοι κεκένωται ἡ πίστις NAS: faith is made void and the promise KJV: faith is made void, and INT: law [be] heirs has been made void the faith 1 Corinthians 1:17 V-ASP-3S 1 Corinthians 9:15 V-FIA-3S 2 Corinthians 9:3 V-ASP-3S Philippians 2:7 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 2758 |
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