Original Word: κενόω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kenoó
Pronunciation: ke-no'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (ken-o'-o)
Definition: To empty, to make void, to nullify
Meaning: (a) I empty, (b) I deprive of content, make unreal.

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

Cognate: 2758 kenóō – properly, to empty out, render void; (passive) be emptied – hence, without recognition, perceived as valueless (Phil 2:7). See 2756 (kenos).

Word Origin
from kenos
Definition
to empty
NASB Translation
emptied (1), made empty (1), made void (2), make...empty (1).

STRONGS NT 2758: κενόω

κενόω, 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.)

Word Origin: From the Greek word κενός (kenos), meaning "empty" or "vain."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to κενόω, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words that convey emptiness or nullification, such as:

• H7386 רֵיק (req): Meaning "empty" or "vain."
• H1238 בָּקַק (baqaq): Meaning "to empty" or "to pour out."

These Hebrew terms, like κενόω, often carry the connotation of voiding or making something ineffective, and they appear in contexts that discuss the futility of human efforts or the judgment of God that renders something desolate.

Usage: The verb κενόω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of emptying or making void. It is often used metaphorically to indicate the relinquishing of status or the nullification of something's power or effect.

Context: The Greek verb κενόω appears in the New Testament primarily in contexts that convey the idea of emptying or nullifying. One of the most significant theological uses of κενόω is found in Philippians 2:7, where it describes Christ's self-emptying: "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." This passage, often referred to as the "Kenosis" (from the Greek noun κένωσις, derived from κενόω), is central to understanding the humility and incarnation of Christ. It illustrates the voluntary renunciation of divine privileges by Jesus, emphasizing His humility and obedience.

In 1 Corinthians 1:17, Paul uses κενόω to express the idea that the power of the cross should not be emptied of its effect: "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." Here, κενόω underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and potency of the gospel message, free from human embellishment that could detract from its divine power.

The concept of κενόω is also relevant in discussions of Christian humility and service, as believers are called to emulate Christ's example of self-emptying love and sacrifice. This theological theme encourages a life of selflessness and devotion to others, reflecting the character of Christ.

εκενώθη εκενώθησαν εκενωσεν ἐκένωσεν κεκενωται κεκένωται κεντουσί κενωθη κενωθή κενωθῇ κενωσει κενώσει κενώση ekenosen ekenōsen ekénosen ekénōsen kekenotai kekenōtai kekénotai kekénōtai kenosei kenōsei kenṓsei kenothe kenōthē kenothêi kenōthē̂iInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts