κενόω (kenoō)
kenoō
to empty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kenoō means to empty or make something void. In the New Testament, it carries a specific theological weight when applied to Christ in Philippians 2:7, where He is described as having "emptied Himself." This does not suggest He ceased to be God, but rather that He laid aside the outward expression of His divine glory to take on human form.
The word also appears in contexts where faith or promises are rendered ineffective. Paul uses it in Romans 4:14 and 1 Corinthians 9:15 to describe how boasting or the law can be made void if not grounded in faith. Here, kenoō signifies rendering a claim useless or empty of real substance.
Its root connects to kenos, meaning "empty" or "vain." This linguistic link reinforces the idea that what is emptied lacks content or power. Translators typically use "emptied" or "made void," capturing both the physical and spiritual dimensions of the term as it appears in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kenoō invites us to look at what truly fills our lives. In Philippians 2:7, we see Jesus emptying Himself not into nothingness, but into humanity. He laid aside the outward display of divine glory to serve us as one of us. This act shows that true greatness is found in humble service, not in holding tightly to status or power.
We also encounter this word when our own efforts feel hollow. In Romans 4:14, Paul warns that relying on the law without faith makes our standing before God void. It reminds us that our confidence must rest in God’s promise, not in our own performance. When we try to earn what God freely gives, we end up empty.
This truth offers deep relief. You do not need to manufacture your worth or secure your future through endless striving. Instead, you can rest in the fact that Christ has already filled the gap between heaven and earth. His humility opens a way for us to receive grace, not as a reward for effort, but as a gift of love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will make void.1×
- may be made void1×
- may be emptied of power1×
- has been made void1×
- emptied1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κενωθῇ2×
- ἐκένωσεν1×
- κενώσει.1×
- κεκένωται1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:7
but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.
This verse uses the word to describe Christ’s voluntary humility in taking human form, showing that emptying oneself is an act of love rather than loss.
-
Romans 4:14
For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.
Here the term explains how faithlessness renders the promise of inheritance ineffective, highlighting that reliance on law without faith leads to spiritual emptiness.
-
I Corinthians 9:15
But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void.
Paul uses this word to express his desire that his ministry not be undermined by accusations, showing how personal integrity protects the gospel’s credibility.