Strong's Lexicon kenos: Empty, vain, devoid of truth or effect Original Word: κενός Word Origin: Derived from the primary root κεν- (ken-), meaning "empty." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of emptiness or vanity is הֶבֶל (hebel), Strong's Hebrew 1892, which is frequently used in Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting nature of life. Usage: The Greek word "kenos" is used to describe something that is empty or void, often in a metaphorical sense. It can refer to actions, words, or beliefs that are without substance, purpose, or truth. In the New Testament, "kenos" is frequently used to caution against vanity and the futility of human endeavors apart from God. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of emptiness or vanity was often associated with philosophical discussions about the nature of reality and human existence. The New Testament writers, influenced by both Jewish and Hellenistic thought, used "kenos" to contrast the transient and often deceptive nature of worldly pursuits with the eternal and fulfilling nature of life in Christ. HELPS Word-studies 2756 kenós – properly, empty, void; hence, worthless ("null"), amounting to zero (of no value, profit). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition empty NASB Translation empty (2), empty-handed (4), foolish (1), futile things (1), vain (10). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2756: κενόςκενός, κενή, κενόν (from Homer on down), the Sept. for רֵיקָם, רֵק, רִיק, etc., empty; 1. properly, of places, vessels, etc.,which contain nothing (Judges 7:16; Genesis 37:24); metaphorically, empty, vain; devoid of truth: λόγοι, Ephesians 5:6 (Exodus 5:9); ἀπάτη, Colossians 2:8; κήρυγμα, πίστις, 1 Corinthians 15:14. 2. of men, empty-handed; without a gift: ἀποστέλλειν and ἐξαποστέλλειν τινα κενόν (Genesis 31:42; Deuteronomy 15:13; Deuteronomy 16:16), Mark 12:3; Luke 1:53; Luke 20:10f; metaphorically, destitute of spiritual wealth, of one who boasts of his faith as a transcendent possession, yet is without the fruits of faith, James 2:20. 3. metaphorically, of endeavors, labors, acts, which result in nothing, vain, fruitless, without effect: ἡ χάρις, 1 Corinthians 15:10; κόπος; 1 Corinthians 15:58; ἡ εἴσοδος, 1 Thessalonians 2:1; neuter plural κενά, things that will not succeed, Acts 4:25 (from Psalm 2:1); εἰς κενόν, in vain, to no purpose (cf. Winer's Grammar, 592 (551)): 2 Corinthians 6:1; Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:5 (Isaiah 65:23; Jeremiah 6:29, etc.; Diodorus 19, 9; Heliodorus 10, 30). (Cf. Trench, Synonyms, § xlix.) Apparently a primary word; empty (literally or figuratively) -- empty, (in) vain. Englishman's Concordance Mark 12:3 Adj-AMSGRK: καὶ ἀπέστειλαν κενόν NAS: him and sent him away empty-handed. KJV: and sent [him] away empty. INT: and sent [him] away empty-handed Luke 1:53 Adj-AMP Luke 20:10 Adj-AMS Luke 20:11 Adj-AMS Acts 4:25 Adj-ANP 1 Corinthians 15:10 Adj-NFS 1 Corinthians 15:14 Adj-NNS 1 Corinthians 15:14 Adj-NFS 1 Corinthians 15:58 Adj-NMS 2 Corinthians 6:1 Adj-ANS Galatians 2:2 Adj-AMS Ephesians 5:6 Adj-DMP Philippians 2:16 Adj-ANS Philippians 2:16 Adj-ANS Colossians 2:8 Adj-GFS 1 Thessalonians 2:1 Adj-NFS 1 Thessalonians 3:5 Adj-ANS James 2:20 Adj-VMS Strong's Greek 2756 |