κενόδοξος (kenodoxos)

kenodoxos

conceited

G2755 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The adjective kenodoxos describes a person who is vainly seeking glory or empty praise from others. It combines words for "empty" and "glory," pointing to a pride that lacks substance or divine grounding. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Galatians 5:26.

Paul uses it to warn believers against provoking one another through such self-centered ambition. The word highlights a specific kind of social arrogance where individuals compete for status and recognition rather than serving in humility. Translators typically render it as "conceited" or "vain-glorying," capturing the hollowness of this desire for human applause.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word kenodoxos captures a quiet but corrosive habit: chasing applause that leaves us empty. It describes people who measure their worth by how others see them, turning relationships into competitions for status. When we seek glory from our neighbors, we forget the grace that already defines us in Christ.

In Galatians 5:26, Paul warns against becoming conceited and provoking one another. This is not just about loud arrogance; it is about the subtle urge to outshine others or demand recognition. Such behavior fractures community because it replaces mutual service with self-promotion.

Freedom from this trap begins by fixing our eyes on God’s approval rather than human praise. When we serve quietly and love without keeping score, we find a peace that no amount of external validation can provide. Let us choose humility, knowing our value is secure in Him alone.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

boastful,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

κενόδοξοι,1×

Key Verses

Galatians 5:26
Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

This verse uniquely links conceit with provocation and envy, showing how empty pride actively damages community relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kenodoxos mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek adjective meaning 'conceited' or 'vain-glorying.' It combines words for 'empty' and 'glory,' describing those who seek hollow praise from others rather than true worth.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only once, in Galatians 5:26. Paul uses it to warn believers against provoking and envying one another through self-centered ambition.

How is it different from regular pride?

While pride can be broad, kenodoxos specifically targets the desire for empty human applause. It highlights social competition and the need for external validation over internal humility.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Galatians 1 verse

Galatians 5:26

Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.