Lexical Summary kenodoxos: Vain-glorious, conceited, boastful Original Word: κενόδοξος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance conceited, boastfulFrom kenos and doxa; vainly glorifying, i.e. Self-conceited -- desirous of vain-glory. see GREEK kenos see GREEK doxa HELPS Word-studies 2755 kenódoksos (from 2756 /kenós, "empty" and 1391 /dóksa, "glory") – properly, empty glory, i.e. self-deluded conceit driven by personal "delusions of grandeur"; "groundless conceit" (A-S); boasting "where there is nothing to boast about; . . . empty pride or conceit, mere pretentiousness" (F. F. Bruce, Commentary on Galatians, 257). It is only used in Gal 5:26. 2755 (kenodoksos) refers to "foolish fancy" (vain, "empty opinion"). This is based on nothing, and comes to nothing. [This is also the meaning of 2755 /kenódoksos in the LXX.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kenos and doxa Definition vainglorious NASB Translation boastful (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2755: κενόδοξοςκενόδοξος, κενοδοξον (κενός, δόξα), glorying without reason, conceited, vain-glorious, eager for empty glory: Galatians 5:26. (Polybius, Diodorus; Antoninus 5, 1; (cf. Philo de trib. virt. § 2 at the end); ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Concept The term behind Strong’s Greek 2755 describes a state of self-inflated pride that seeks admiration without substance to warrant it—“empty glory” rather than true honor. It combines the idea of outward show with inward hollowness, highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality that Scripture repeatedly exposes. Biblical Usage Galatians 5:26 stands as the sole New Testament occurrence: “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another and envying one another”. Paul sets the word in antithesis to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). As works of the flesh culminate in rivalry and envy, empty glory functions as a catalytic sin that fractures fellowship and stifles spiritual growth. Context in Galatians The epistle confronts believers who were tempted to add law-keeping to faith for their standing before God. Such legalistic striving gave occasion for self-congratulation. Paul warns that once believers measure themselves by external achievements, the inevitable result is the proud posture captured by this term—boasting that invites provocation and jealousy in the community. Related Themes and Cross References 1. Pride opposed to humility (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6). The wider biblical witness confirms that God values “a broken and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17) over ostentatious display. Historical Background In Greco-Roman ethics, honor and reputation were highly prized; public accolades validated personal worth. The early church, set within that culture, offered a counter-narrative: genuine glory arises from union with Christ, not from civic recognition or ritual performance. Paul’s choice of a term denoting fame without foundation would resonate with readers familiar with the competitive honor-shame environment of first-century Galatia. Ministerial Application 1. Self-Examination: Leaders and congregants must test motives—service can subtly drift from God’s glory to personal acclaim (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6). Warning and Promise Scripture warns that proud display invites God’s opposition but assures that humility receives grace (1 Peter 5:5). Those who renounce empty glory will, in the age to come, share in the unfading glory bestowed by the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), a glory neither hollow nor transient but eternally grounded in Christ. Forms and Transliterations κενοδοξοι κενόδοξοι κενολογούντας kenodoxoi kenódoxoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |