### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective κενόδοξος (kenódoxos, `{{G2755}}`) is a compound word formed from κενός (kenos, `{{G2756}}`), meaning "empty," "vain," or "hollow," and δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`), meaning "glory," "honor," or "reputation." Thus, κενόδοξος literally describes one who is "empty-glorious" or "vainly glorious." It signifies an individual who seeks or possesses a glory that is ultimately hollow, without substance, or based on an inflated, self-serving estimation. The term encapsulates the idea of being "self-conceited" or "desirous of vain-glory," highlighting a preoccupation with one's own reputation or perceived honor, which is fundamentally devoid of true merit or lasting value. It points to a superficiality in one's pursuit of recognition, often leading to an unwarranted sense of superiority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κενόδοξος appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's Epistle to the Galatians:
* [[Galatians 5:26]]: "Let us not become κενόδοξοι (kenódoxoi), provoking one another, envying one another."
This solitary occurrence is highly significant due to its placement within Paul's discourse on living by the Spirit versus gratifying the desires of the flesh. In [[Galatians 5:16-25]], Paul contrasts the "works of the flesh" (e.g., immorality, strife, jealousy) with the "fruit of the Spirit" (e.g., love, joy, peace, patience). The admonition in [[Galatians 5:26]] serves as a direct application of this teaching to community life. By warning against becoming κενόδοξοι, Paul identifies vain-glory as a specific vice that undermines Christian unity and fellowship. The subsequent phrases, "provoking one another" and "envying one another," illustrate the destructive interpersonal consequences of this self-centered attitude. A desire for empty glory often manifests as a competitive spirit, where individuals seek to elevate themselves at the expense of others, leading to conflict and resentment within the community. It suggests that vainglory fuels a cycle of comparison and rivalry, which is antithetical to the Spirit-led life of mutual love and humility.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding κενόδοξος is enhanced by examining its etymological components and related terms:
* **κενός (kenos, `{{G2756}}`):** The root meaning of "empty," "vain," "futile," or "worthless." This emphasizes the insubstantial nature of the glory sought by the κενόδοξος.
* **δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`):** "Glory," "honor," "splendor," or "reputation." This highlights the object of desire, but κενόδοξος qualifies it as a *false* or *empty* glory.
* **κενοδοξία (kenodoxia, `{{G2754}}`):** The noun form, meaning "vainglory" or "empty pride." This term encapsulates the abstract vice itself. While κενόδοξος describes the person characterized by it, κενοδοξία refers to the characteristic.
* **Pride and Arrogance:** Concepts like ὑπερηφανία (hyperēphania, `{{G5243}}`, "haughtiness, arrogance") and φυσιοῦμαι (physioumai, `{{G5450}}`, "to be puffed up, conceited") share conceptual overlap with κενόδοξος. All these terms describe an inflated sense of self-importance that is contrary to Christian humility.
* **Boasting:** The act of καυχάομαι (kaucháomai, `{{G2744}}`, "to boast") is often a manifestation of κενόδοξος behavior, as one seeks to elevate oneself through words.
* **Self-Exaltation:** The antithesis of the humility exemplified by Christ ([[Philippians 2:3-8]]), κενόδοξος reflects a desire for self-exaltation rather than exalting God or serving others.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κενόδοξος is profound, particularly within the Pauline corpus:
* **Antithesis to Spirit-Led Living:** For Paul, κενόδοξος represents a characteristic of the flesh, diametrically opposed to walking in the Spirit. The Spirit produces humility and love, fostering unity, whereas vainglory cultivates self-centeredness, division, and strife. It is a vice that hinders the manifestation of God's character in believers.
* **Disruption of Christian Community:** The specific context of [[Galatians 5:26]] reveals that vainglory is a potent force for disrupting the peace and harmony of the church. By provoking and envying, those who are κενόδοξοι undermine the very fabric of Christian fellowship, which is meant to be characterized by mutual submission and love. It prioritizes personal status over corporate well-being.
* **Misplaced Focus:** The term highlights a fundamental misdirection of human desire for glory. Instead of seeking glory from God or giving glory to God, the κενόδοξος seeks an empty, human-derived glory for themselves. This pursuit is ultimately futile and spiritually barren, contrasting sharply with the pursuit of eternal, divine approval.
* **Call to Humility and Service:** The warning against κενόδοξος serves as a powerful call to humility, self-denial, and a focus on serving others rather than seeking personal recognition. It aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on humility as a foundational virtue for believers, mirroring Christ's own example of emptying Himself ([[Philippians 2:7]]). True honor in God's kingdom comes through humble service, not through self-promotion or the pursuit of ephemeral human praise.
### Summary
The Greek word κενόδοξος (kenódoxos, `{{G2755}}`) precisely describes one who is "desirous of vain-glory" or "self-conceited," stemming from a pursuit of empty or hollow honor. Its single, yet impactful, occurrence in [[Galatians 5:26]] places it squarely within Paul's warning against vices that undermine Christian communal life. It is presented as a characteristic of the flesh that leads to "provoking" and "envying" within the body of Christ, directly opposing the unifying and loving fruit of the Spirit. Theologically, κενόδοξος underscores the dangers of self-exaltation, the superficiality of human-derived glory, and its capacity to fracture fellowship. It serves as a potent reminder of the biblical call to humility, service, and a focus on God's glory rather than one's own.
TRV