Kenosis
noun /kɪˈnəʊ.sɪs/ — The divine self-emptying of the incarnation
Definition
In Christian theology, the self-emptying of divine nature — the act of God taking on human limitation and vulnerability. Broadly: the act of emptying oneself of power or ego in service of another.
Beyond the definition
The theology of choosing weakness over power — not as failure, but as the highest form of strength. Kenosis names the paradox at the heart of love.
Origin & history
From Greek 'kenōsis' (an emptying) — from 'kenoun' (to empty), from 'kenos' (empty). Paul uses it in Philippians 2:7 to describe Christ 'emptying himself' to take on human form.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The concept of kenosis reframes power: true strength is the capacity to choose powerlessness.
She understood kenosis not as theology but as love — the willingness to become less so someone else could become more.
Kenosis is the most difficult of spiritual disciplines: to empty yourself of everything you would otherwise hold onto.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Kenosis” when the meaning fits your context: In Christian theology, the self-emptying of divine nature — the act of God taking on human limitation and vulnerability. Broadly: the act of emptying oneself of power or ego in service of another.
Synonyms
self-emptying, divine vulnerability, self-giving
Antonyms
self-assertion, power-seeking
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Emotional Self-Effacement
One person chooses a green coat in front of a mirror, while their partner quietly copies that outfit and posture, appearing washed out and faint.
Kenosis is the act of emptying oneself of ego or power. This scene of the second person adopting the cues and style of the first—becoming 'washed out' as they efface their own identity—provides a conceptual illustration of this self-emptying, although here it represents unhealthy self-effacement rather than a divine act.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Kenosis" mean?
Kenosis is noun meaning: The divine self-emptying of the incarnation. In Christian theology, the self-emptying of divine nature — the act of God taking on human limitation and vulnerability. Broadly: the act of emptying oneself of power or ego in service of another.
Where does the word "Kenosis" come from?
From Greek 'kenōsis' (an emptying) — from 'kenoun' (to empty), from 'kenos' (empty). Paul uses it in Philippians 2:7 to describe Christ 'emptying himself' to take on human form.