### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective κενός (kenós, `{{G2756}}`) fundamentally denotes an absence of content, substance, or purpose. Its base definition encompasses both a literal and a figurative sense of "empty." Literally, it refers to something devoid of physical contents, as in an empty vessel or an empty-handed person. Figuratively, its semantic range extends to concepts of futility, uselessness, worthlessness, and lack of truth or efficacy. When applied to words or ideas, it signifies that which is baseless, unsubstantial, or deceptive. When applied to actions or efforts, it implies a lack of productive outcome, rendering them "in vain." The core idea is a void, a lack of what should or could be present, leading to a state of unfulfillment or unprofitability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κενός appears several times in the New Testament, illustrating its varied nuances:
* **Literal Emptiness/Lack of Possession:** In the Synoptic Gospels, κενός describes those sent away without what they expected or deserved. In the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, the owner's servants are sent away "empty-handed" (κενούς) by the tenants who refuse to give them the fruit (e.g., [[Mark 12:3]], [[Luke 20:10]]). Similarly, [[Luke 1:53]] states that God has sent the rich "away empty" (κενούς), contrasting with the hungry who are filled. This highlights a state of deprivation or unfulfilled expectation.
* **Figurative Emptiness/Futility of Effort:** Paul uses κενός to describe efforts or boasts that lack substance or are unproductive. In [[1 Thessalonians 2:1]], Paul asserts that "our coming to you was not in vain" (κενή), indicating that their missionary labor and message were fruitful and effective, not without purpose or result. Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 9:3]], Paul expresses concern that his boasting about the Corinthians' readiness to give might not prove "in vain" (κενή), meaning he hopes their actions will match his words, validating his confidence in them.
* **Figurative Emptiness/Lack of Truth or Substance (Deception):** This is a prominent use, particularly in Paul's epistles, where κενός refers to ideas, words, or philosophies that are devoid of truth, substance, or spiritual value, often leading to deception.
* In [[Ephesians 5:6]], believers are warned, "Let no one deceive you with empty words" (κενοῖς λόγοις). These are words that lack truth, substance, or moral weight, designed to mislead.
* Similarly, [[Colossians 2:8]] cautions against being taken captive "through philosophy and empty deceit" (κενῆς ἀπάτης). Here, "empty" signifies that the deceitful philosophy lacks genuine content, spiritual reality, or divine truth, presenting a false alternative to Christ.
* **Figurative Emptiness/Uselessness (Lack of Efficacy):** James employs κενός to describe a faith that is inactive. In [[James 2:20]], he states, "faith apart from works is useless/empty" (νεκρὰ καὶ κενή). This implies a faith that, while perhaps intellectually assented to, lacks the vital, living substance that produces good deeds, rendering it unproductive and without true spiritual efficacy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of κενός intersects with several other Greek and Hebrew terms that convey similar or contrasting ideas:
* **Greek Cognates and Synonyms:**
* κενόω (kenoō, `{{G2758}}`): The verb form, meaning "to empty," "to make void," or "to make of no effect." Most famously used in [[Philippians 2:7]] where Christ "emptied himself" (ἐκένωσεν), taking the form of a servant. While a different part of speech, it shares the root idea of emptying or making void.
* μάταιος (mataios, `{{G3152}}`): Means "vain," "futile," "worthless," often implying foolishness or idolatry. Similar to κενός in describing actions or beliefs that are without purpose or substance.
* ἀργός (argos, `{{G692}}`): Means "idle," "lazy," "unproductive," "useless." Can overlap with κενός in describing something that produces no fruit or is without efficacy.
* ψευδής (pseudēs, `{{G5571}}`): "False," "lying." Can describe the nature of "empty words" or "empty deceit" as they are inherently untrue.
* ἀπάτη (apatē, `{{G539}}`): "Deceit," "deception." Often the outcome of "empty words."
* **Hebrew Counterparts:**
* רִיק (riq, `{{H7386}}`): "Empty," "vain," "worthless." Used literally for empty vessels or figuratively for empty words.
* תֹּהוּ (tohu, `{{H8414}}`): "Formless," "void," "chaos." Famously used in [[Genesis 1:2]] ("tohu va-vohu"). While more cosmic, it shares the idea of an absence of order or content.
* שָׁוְא (shav, `{{H7723}}`): "Emptiness," "vanity," "falsehood," "nothingness." Often used in the Old Testament for idols or vain worship (e.g., "take the name of the Lord in vain"). This term strongly resonates with the "empty deceit" aspect of κενός.
The concept of κενός stands in stark contrast to divine "fullness" (πλήρωμα, plērōma, `{{G4138}}`), which is often associated with Christ and the Holy Spirit. Where God provides truth, substance, and efficacy, human endeavors or deceptive philosophies apart from Him are revealed as κενός.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κενός is profound, serving as a critical descriptor of that which lacks divine truth, substance, or purpose.
1. **The Futility of Life Apart from God:** The term highlights the inherent emptiness and futility of human endeavors, philosophies, and even religious expressions that are not grounded in God's truth and will. The "empty words" and "empty deceit" warned against in Ephesians and Colossians point to human systems of thought that offer no true salvation or spiritual life, ultimately leading to spiritual barrenness.
2. **The Nature of True Faith:** James's use of κενός to describe faith without works ([[James 2:20]]) underscores a crucial theological point: genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living, active principle that produces visible fruit. A faith that is "empty" is effectively dead, lacking the transformative power and efficacy that characterize authentic relationship with God.
3. **Warning Against Deception:** The repeated warnings against "empty words" and "empty deceit" serve as a theological safeguard, urging believers to discern between truth and falsehood. Anything that diverts from the sufficiency of Christ is ultimately "empty," offering no true spiritual nourishment or security. This emphasizes the singular importance of Christ as the source of all fullness and truth.
4. **The Purposefulness of God's Work:** In contrast to human "emptiness," the New Testament implicitly affirms the purposeful and effective nature of God's work. Paul's assertion that his coming was "not in vain" ([[1 Thessalonians 2:1]]) testifies to the divine power that accompanied his ministry, ensuring that the message of the gospel was not without effect but brought about genuine conversion and transformation.
### Summary
The Greek word κενός (kenós, `{{G2756}}`) denotes an absence of content, substance, or purpose, translating to "empty" or "in vain." Biblically, it describes physical lack, the futility of human effort without divine backing, and most significantly, the unsubstantial and deceptive nature of words, philosophies, or a faith that lacks genuine spiritual efficacy or truth. Its occurrences serve as a theological warning against anything that is void of divine substance, highlighting the ultimate emptiness of human endeavors and deceptive teachings apart from Christ. Conversely, it implicitly underscores the fullness, truth, and purpose inherent in God's work and in a living faith.
TRV