κενόδοξος
kenódoxos
G2755 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Possessing empty or groundless pride, characterized by a preoccupation with personal esteem or honor that lacks real basis; pertaining to or motivated by vain ambition or a desire for unwarranted recognition. In some contexts, refers more specifically to one who seeks applause or attention without substance.
Semantic Range
vainly seeking honor, motivated by empty ambition, seeking unwarranted reputation, displaying baseless pride or self-conceit, preoccupied with superficial acclaim
Root / Etymology
Compound of κενός ('empty, vain') and δόξα ('opinion, reputation, glory'), literally 'one who has empty/glory' or 'one thinking of empty honor.' The form is a standard Koine adjective built from these two components.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, neither the compound nor its components have precisely this nuance, though compounded adjectives of similar structure are attested. In Hellenistic and early Christian literature, particularly in the New Testament (Gal 5:26), it denotes a person seeking social standing, honor, or reputation without the deeds or qualities that would genuinely merit such esteem. The term is moralizing—implying insubstantiality beneath a façade of honor, rather than simply possessing ambition or pride. In Septuagintal and wider Koine usage, the concept overlaps with those of empty boasting or vainglory, but κενόδοξος specifically combines the idea of 'emptiness' (not merely excessive pride) with the pursuit of external glory. Traditional English translations like 'vainglorious' or 'self-conceited' approximate its meaning but may obscure the precise link to empty or baseless honor-seeking. Distinct from related terms such as ἀλαζών (braggart) or ὑπερήφανος (arrogant, haughty) in that its focus is not merely on audacious claims but on the lack of substance behind the public persona. The word is rare in extant literature, highlighting its specialized usage within the moral vocabulary of early Christian texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κενός and δόξα; vainly glorifying, i.e. self-conceited:--desirous of vain-glory.
Root Family
κενόδοξος (kenodoxos) — empty, vain, glory, opinion, esteem
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2755-01 |
κενόδοξοι | kenodoxoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
conceited | empty-glory seekers | empty-glory seekers | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2755-01 |
Galatians 5:26 | κενόδοξοι | kenodoxoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
conceited | empty-glory seekers | empty-glory seekers |