The Greek word kenóō, represented by G2758, means to make empty. It appears 7 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Figuratively, it conveys the concepts of abasing, neutralizing, or falsifying something, causing it to be made void, of no reputation, of none effect, or in vain.
In the biblical narrative, G2758 is used in several significant theological contexts. Its most notable use is in Philippians 2:7, which states that Christ "made himself of no reputation" when he took on the form of a servant. The word is also used to warn against actions that would undermine the gospel; in 1 Corinthians 1:17, Paul avoids using "wisdom of words" lest the cross of Christ "should be made of none effect." The apostle Paul also uses it in a personal context, declaring he would rather die than have any man "make my glorying void" 1 Corinthians 9:15.
Several related words help clarify the meaning and impact of emptying or neutralizing.
- G2673 katargéō (to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively): This word is used alongside G2758 in Romans 4:14, which argues that if heirs are from the law, "faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect."
- G2745 kaúchēma (a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense): This is what Paul seeks to prevent from being made void G2758 in 1 Corinthians 9:15. It is also the subject of his concern in 2 Corinthians 9:3, hoping his "boasting" would not "be in vain."
- G3444 morphḗ (shape; figuratively, nature): This word is crucial to understanding Philippians 2:7, as Christ emptied himself G2758 to take upon the form of a servant.
- G1401 doûlos (a slave): This defines the nature Christ took upon himself when he made himself of no reputation G2758, becoming a servant Philippians 2:7.
The theological weight of G2758 is profound, particularly in explaining core Christian doctrines.
- Christ's Humiliation: The word is central to the description of the incarnation. In Philippians 2:7, Christ "made himself of no reputation" by taking the "form of a servant" and being made "in the likeness of men."
- The Efficacy of Faith: The term is used to contrast faith and law. Romans 4:14 warns that a reliance on law for inheritance results in faith being "made void" G2758, thereby nullifying its role.
- The Power of the Cross: Paul's preaching methodology in 1 Corinthians 1:17 is deliberately simple, to ensure that the power of the cross is not "made of none effect" G2758 by human eloquence or wisdom.
In summary, G2758 is much more than a simple term for emptying. It is a critical word for understanding divine action and human response. It defines Christ's profound act of self-abasement, the potential for human effort to nullify faith, and the importance of preserving the simple power of the gospel. The word's application ranges from Paul's personal "glorying" 1 Corinthians 9:15 to Christ making himself "of no reputation" for the sake of humanity Philippians 2:7.
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