### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb κενῶς (kenōs, `{{G2761}}`) is derived from the adjective κενός (kenos, `{{G2756}}`), which signifies "empty," "void," "vain," "futile," or "hollow." As an adverb, κενῶς therefore conveys the sense of "emptily," "vainly," "to no purpose," "without result," "fruitlessly," or "uselessly." It describes an action or state that lacks substance, efficacy, or ultimate benefit, implying a profound absence of desired outcome or true value.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb κενῶς (kenōs, `{{G2761}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[James 2:20]]. It is important to note that while present in some significant textual traditions (such as the Textus Receptus), modern critical editions of the Greek New Testament (e.g., NA28, UBS5) often omit this word in [[James 2:20]], reading either ἀργή (argē, "idle," "useless") or omitting any adjective entirely.
If present, the context of [[James 2:20]] is pivotal to understanding its meaning. James writes, "But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" (or "is useless," "is vain"). Here, κενῶς would emphasize that a faith which does not express itself through deeds is not merely inactive, but fundamentally *empty* or *futile*. It lacks the vital substance and transformative power that true faith possesses. James's argument is that genuine faith is inherently active and demonstrable; if it produces no fruit, it is revealed to be devoid of true spiritual life and therefore "in vain" – utterly ineffective for its intended purpose of glorifying God and bringing salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κενός (kenos, `{{G2756}}`):** The root adjective, meaning "empty," "vain," "destitute." This is the direct conceptual parent of κενῶς.
* **κενόω (kenoo, `{{G2758}}`):** The verb form, meaning "to empty," "to make void," "to make of no effect." A notable example is Christ "emptying himself" (ἐκένωσεν) in [[Philippians 2:7]], highlighting a deliberate act of divesting or making oneself of no reputation.
* **μάταιος (mataios, `{{G3152}}`), ματαιότης (mataiotes, `{{G3153}}`), ματαιόω (mataioo, `{{G3154}}`):** These terms also convey "vanity" or "futility," often with an emphasis on the pointlessness or senselessness of something, particularly human endeavors apart from God (e.g., [[Romans 1:21]], [[Ephesians 4:17]]). While overlapping in semantic range with κενῶς, *mataios* often points to the inherent absurdity or unprofitableness of an action, whereas κενῶς emphasizes the *lack of substance* or *result*.
* **ἀργός (argos, `{{G692}}`):** Meaning "idle," "lazy," "unemployed," or "useless." This word is significant given its presence in some textual variants of [[James 2:20]]. While both ἀργός and κενῶς can imply "uselessness," ἀργός tends to emphasize inactivity or idleness leading to a lack of utility, whereas κενῶς points to a more fundamental emptiness or lack of inherent value.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κενῶς (kenōs, `{{G2761}}`), particularly in the context of [[James 2:20]], is profound. It underscores the biblical understanding of authentic faith. If a faith is "in vain," it implies a failure to achieve its divinely intended purpose. True, saving faith is not a mere intellectual assent or a passive belief system; it is a dynamic, living reality that inevitably manifests itself through obedience, love, and good works.
The use of κενῶς serves as a stern warning against a superficial or nominal Christianity. A faith that is "empty" is devoid of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and fails to produce the spiritual fruit that testifies to a genuine relationship with God. Such a faith, though perhaps professed, is ultimately profitless both for the individual's salvation and for the advancement of God's kingdom. It challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith, ensuring it is not merely a hollow declaration but a vibrant, active principle that shapes one's entire life.
### Summary
κενῶς (kenōs, `{{G2761}}`) is an adverb derived from the Greek word for "empty," meaning "vainly," "to no purpose," or "without result." Its singular New Testament occurrence, in some textual traditions of [[James 2:20]], powerfully articulates the futility of a faith that lacks corresponding works. When faith does not manifest in tangible action, it is revealed to be κενῶς—empty, devoid of true spiritual substance, and thus ineffectual. This word emphasizes that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, transformative power that expresses itself through obedience and righteous living, distinguishing it from a superficial or "vain" profession. It stands in contrast to concepts like "idleness" (ἀργός, `{{G692}}`) by emphasizing a fundamental lack of substance rather than merely inactivity, serving as a powerful call to authentic and fruitful discipleship.
TRV