2755. kenodoxos
Lexical Summary
kenodoxos: Vain-glorious, conceited, boastful

Original Word: κενόδοξος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: kenodoxos
Pronunciation: keh-NO-dok-sos
Phonetic Spelling: (ken-od'-ox-os)
KJV: desirous of vain-glory
NASB: boastful
Word Origin: [from G2756 (κενός - vain) and G1391 (δόξα - glory)]

1. vainly glorifying, i.e. self-conceited

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
conceited, boastful

From 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 Origin
from kenos and doxa
Definition
vainglorious
NASB Translation
boastful (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2755: κενόδοξος

κενόδοξος, 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).
2. Boasting in human achievement versus boasting in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 1:31).
3. Empty words and deceptive appearances (Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 2:18).
4. The contrast of self-seeking with Christlike lowliness (Philippians 2:3).

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).
2. Community Health: Empty glory breeds comparison, which in turn provokes conflict. Cultivating the Spirit’s fruit—particularly love and patience—guards unity.
3. Discipleship: Teaching believers to boast only in the cross (Galatians 6:14) inoculates against vain ambition. Practices such as anonymous giving and hidden acts of mercy train the heart away from self-display.

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 kenódoxoi
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Galatians 5:26 Adj-NMP
GRK: μὴ γινώμεθα κενόδοξοι ἀλλήλους προκαλούμενοι
NAS: Let us not become boastful, challenging
KJV: be desirous of vain glory, provoking
INT: not we should become boastful one another provoking

Strong's Greek 2755
1 Occurrence


κενόδοξοι — 1 Occ.

2754
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