κενός (kenos)
kenos
empty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective kenos describes something that is empty or void. In its literal sense, it refers to a vessel holding nothing or a person arriving without provisions, as seen when Jesus tells the parable of the landowner who sends servants to his vineyard only to find them empty-handed (Luke 20:10). This physical emptiness serves as a foundation for its frequent metaphorical use in Scripture.
The word carries significant theological weight when applied to faith and effort. Paul argues that if Christ has not been raised, then preaching is pointless and belief is futile, stating directly that their faith is empty (1 Corinthians 15:14). Similarly, he warns against being laborers in vain, emphasizing that spiritual work must yield genuine fruit rather than remaining merely a hollow gesture.
Translators often render kenos as "vain" or "without purpose," capturing the sense of futility. The term appears in contexts where actions lack lasting effect, such as when Paul notes his labor was not in vain (Philippians 2:16). It distinguishes between outward appearance and inner reality, marking a clear contrast between true spiritual substance and empty form.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kenos reminds us that appearance does not equal reality. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus describes servants sent to collect fruit only to return empty-handed. This image warns against spiritual routines that look active but produce no life. God desires genuine connection, not hollow performance.
Paul uses this same word to describe faith without resurrection power or grace received without response. These are not just theological points; they are invitations to check our hearts. Are we relying on outward forms, or trusting in the living hope of Christ?
This truth brings comfort. Your efforts matter when rooted in Him. Paul assures us that labor in the Lord is never empty. Even when results seem invisible, God sees the work done in faith. You are held by a grace that fills every void.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- vain5×
- empty-handed.3×
- void2×
- in vain2×
- with empty1×
- vain things?1×
- foolish,1×
- empty;1×
- empty1×
- [is] void1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κενὸν6×
- κενόν.3×
- κενὴ3×
- κενῆς1×
- κενὸς1×
- κενέ,1×
- κενά;1×
- κενοῖς1×
- κενούς·1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 15:14
If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith also is in vain.
Paul links the resurrection directly to the validity of faith, stating that without it, belief is fundamentally empty.
-
Luke 20:10
At the proper season, he sent a servant to the farmers to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farmers beat him and sent him away empty.
The parable illustrates how religious duty can become futile when it fails to produce the fruit God expects.
-
I Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
This verse offers hope by affirming that work done for the Lord has lasting value and is not in vain.