Berean Strong's Lexicon kenoó: To empty, to make void, to nullify Original Word: κενόω 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, the concept of "emptying" or "making void" can be related to Hebrew words like רֵיק (req), meaning "empty," or בָּטַל (batal), meaning "to cease" or "to make void." Usage: The verb κενόω primarily means "to empty" or "to make void." In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically to describe the act of making something of no effect or rendering it powerless. It can also imply the act of divesting oneself of status or privilege. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of "emptying" oneself was countercultural, as society often valued honor, status, and power. The use of κενόω in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Christ's incarnation and humility, presents a radical departure from these cultural norms. It reflects the Christian ethos of humility and self-sacrifice, which was revolutionary in the context of the prevailing cultural values of honor and prestige. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2758 kenóō – properly, to empty out, render void; (passive) be emptied – hence, without recognition, perceived as valueless (Phil 2:7). See 2756 (kenos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kenos Definition to empty NASB Translation emptied (1), made empty (1), made void (2), make...empty (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2758: κενόωκενόω, 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.) 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 Englishman's Concordance Romans 4:14 V-RIM/P-3SGRK: νόμου κληρονόμοι κεκένωται ἡ πίστις NAS: faith is made void and the promise KJV: faith is made void, and INT: law [be] heirs has been made void the faith 1 Corinthians 1:17 V-ASP-3S 1 Corinthians 9:15 V-FIA-3S 2 Corinthians 9:3 V-ASP-3S Philippians 2:7 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 2758 |