Kenosis

Definition and Meaning

The Korean term for self-emptying renders the Greek noun kenosis, which is derived from the verb kenoō ("to empty"). It refers to the act by which Christ, who was by nature equal with God, took on a human body, humbled himself as a servant, and was obedient unto death on the cross. In theology it is a term of Christology used to explain the Incarnation and Christ's "humiliation" (his self-abasement). In the life of faith, it also denotes the humility and service of laying aside one's own desires and status in imitation of Christ.

Biblical and Historical Background

The foundational text is Philippians 2:5-11. Urging believers to serve one another in humility, Paul writes that Christ "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). He then speaks of Christ's exaltation (Philippians 2:9-11). Many scholars hold that this passage originated in a hymn of the early church.

What exactly Christ "emptied" has long been debated. The traditional interpretation, which follows the definition of the Council of Chalcedon (451), understands the passage not as Christ laying aside his divinity but as his taking on humanity: Christ is truly God and truly man. In the nineteenth century, German Lutheran theologians such as Gottfried Thomasius advanced a "kenotic Christology." This view holds that in the Incarnation Christ voluntarily relinquished the use of divine attributes such as omniscience and omnipotence, and some Anglican theologians in England also aligned themselves with this line of thought. Critics objected that it departs from orthodox Christology.

Practice in the Korean Church

• Presbyterian and Reformed: Following the framework of the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter Catechism, these churches explain kenosis as Christ's "state of humiliation." They teach that Christ did not abandon his divinity but veiled his divine glory and assumed the status of a servant. Reformed seminaries treat kenotic Christology critically.
• Methodist and Holiness: In the hymns and sermons of the Wesleyan tradition, the passage is frequently used to emphasize Christ's humility and love.
• Preaching and the church year: In many denominations, the infant Jesus lying in the manger at Christmas and the cross during Holy Week are preached as expressions of Christ's self-emptying. The passage is also read at ordination services for ministers and at foot-washing services as a scriptural basis for the model of servant leadership.
• Spirituality and social engagement: Under the name "spirituality of emptying," one movement connects the concept with contemplative prayer and monastic spirituality. Some conservative theologians, however, worry that this approach may lead the biblical meaning toward mysticism. Those who emphasize social engagement sometimes interpret the passage as a call to solidarity with the poor and the weak.