Empty
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
"to empty," is so translated in Philippians 2:7 , RV, for AV, "made ... of no reputation." The clauses which follow the verb are exegetical of its meaning, especially the phrases "the form of a servant," and "the likeness of men." Christ did not "empty" Himself of Godhood. He did not cease to be what He essentially and eternally was. The AV, while not an exact translation, goes far to express the act of the Lord (see GIFFORD on the Incarnation). For other occurrences of the word, see Romans 4:14; 1—Corinthians 1:17; 9:15; 2—Corinthians 9:3 . In the Sept., Jeremiah 14:2; 15:9 .
from schole, "leisure," that for which leisure is employed, such as "a lecture" (hence, "the place where lectures are given;" Eng., "school"), is used of persons, to have time for anything and so to be occupied in, 1—Corinthians 7:5; of things, to be unoccupied, empty, Matthew 12:44 (some mss. have it in Luke 11:25 ). See GIVE (oneself to).
expresses the "hollowness" of anything, the "absence" of that which otherwise might be possesed. It is used (a) literally, Mark 12:3; Luke 1:53; 20:10,11; (b) metaphorically, of imaginations, Acts 4:25; of words which convey erroneous teachings, Ephesians 5:6; of deceit, Colossians 2:8; of a person whose professed faith is not accompanied by works, James 2:20; negatively, concerning the grace of God, 1—Corinthians 15:10; of refusal to receive it, 2—Corinthians 6:1; of faith, 1—Corinthians 15:14; of preaching (id); and other forms of Christian activity and labor, 1—Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16; 1—Thessalonians 2:1; 3:5 . The synonymous word mataios, "vain," signifies "void" of result, it marks the aimlessness of anything. The vain (kenos) man in James 2:20 is one who is "empty" of Divinely imparted wisdom; in James 1:26 the vain (mataios) religion is one that produces nothing profitable. Kenos stresses the absence of quality, mataios, the absence of useful aim or effect. Cp. the corresponding adverb kenos, "in vain," in James 4:5 , the noun kenodoxia, "vainglory," Philippians 2:3 , the adjective kenodoxos, "vainglorious," Galatians 5:26 , and the noun kenophonia, "vain," or "empty," babblings, 1—Timothy 6:20; 2—Timothy 2:16 .
King James Dictionary [2]
EMP'TY, a.
1. Containing nothing, or nothing but air as an empty chest empty space an empty purse is a serious evil. 2. Evacuated not filled as empty shackles. 3. Unfurnished as an empty room. 4. Void devoid.
In civility thou seemest so empty.
5. Void destitute of solid matter as empty air. 6. Destitute of force or effect as empty words. 7. Unsubstantial unsatisfactory not able to fill the mind or the desires. The pleasures of life are empty and unsatisfying.
Pleased with empty praise.
8. Not supplied having nothing to carry.
They beat him, and sent him away empty. Mark 12 .
9. Hungry.
My falcon now is sharp and passing empty.
10. Unfurnished with intellect or knowledge vacant of head ignorant as an empty coxcomb. 11. Unfruitful producing nothing.
Israel is an empty vine. Hosca 10.
Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind. Genesis 41
12. Wanting substance wanting solidity as empty dreams. 13. Destitute waste desolate.
Nineveh is empty. Nahum 2
14. Without effect.
The sword of Saul returned not empty. 2 Samuel 1
15. Without a cargo in ballast as, the ship returned empty.
EMP'TY, To exhaust to make void or destitute to deprive of the contents as, to empty a vessel to empty a well or a cistern.
1. To pour out the contents.
The clouds empty themselves on the earth. Ecclesiastes 11
Rivers empty themselves into the ocean.
2. To waste to make desolate. Jeremiah 51
EMP'TY, To pour out or discharge its contents.
The Connecticut empties into the Sound.
1. To become empty.
Webster's Dictionary [3]
(1): ( superl.) Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow; vain; - said of pleasure, the world, etc.
(2): ( v. i.) To become empty.
(3): ( superl.) Containing nothing; not holding or having anything within; void of contents or appropriate contents; not filled; - said of an inclosure, as a box, room, house, etc.; as, an empty chest, room, purse, or pitcher; an empty stomach; empty shackles.
(4): ( superl.) Free; clear; devoid; - often with of.
(5): ( superl.) Having nothing to carry; unburdened.
(6): ( superl.) Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; - said of language; as, empty words, or threats.
(7): ( v. t.) To deprive of the contents; to exhaust; to make void or destitute; to make vacant; to pour out; to discharge; as, to empty a vessel; to empty a well or a cistern.
(8): ( superl.) Producing nothing; unfruitful; - said of a plant or tree; as, an empty vine.
(9): ( superl.) Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy; as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb.
(10): ( superl.) Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial; as, empty dreams.
(11): ( v. i.) To discharge itself; as, a river empties into the ocean.
(12): ( n.) An empty box, crate, cask, etc.; - used in commerce, esp. in transportation of freight; as, "special rates for empties."
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types [4]
Matthew 12:44 (c) The word is used to describe the condition of the unsaved person who has had a reformation in his life but has never received the Lord Jesus to fill his heart and soul.
Mark 12:3 (b) This is the condition of a servant of GOD who should have received the best from those to whom he ministered, but instead, he received the worst.
Luke 1:53 (b) This describes the condition of a person who hears the Word of GOD with preconceived ideas and with no heart hunger. He returns to his home from the service having received no blessing.
