Nought
The Meaning of Nought in Scripture
The English word 'nought' in biblical translations consistently points to concepts of nothingness, void, and ineffectiveness. It is distinct from 'naught,' which implies moral badness. 'Nought' describes a state of non-being, futility, or the complete negation of something. Key Hebrew and Greek words translated as 'nought' include tohu (vacancy, ruin), chinnam (gratis, for nothing), katargeō (to render inoperative), and oudeis (not even one). These terms paint a vivid picture of emptiness and ultimate failure when contrasted with God's substantial and effective purposes.
Nought in the Old Testament: Human Plans and Idols
In the Old Testament, 'nought' frequently describes the futility of human endeavors that oppose God and the emptiness of false gods. The prophet Isaiah powerfully declares the idols of the nations to be 'nought' and their works 'nothing' (Isaiah 41:24). Human plans and wisdom are also brought to nought when they conflict with divine counsel, as God 'brings the counsel of the nations to nought' (Psalm 33:10). This establishes a core theme: human power and pretension are ultimately insubstantial before the sovereign Creator. The term also appears in contexts of judgment, where prosperous cities are 'brought to nought' (Isaiah 16:4) and hopes fade away to nothing (Job 14:18).
Nought in the New Testament: The Wisdom of the Cross
The New Testament develops this concept christologically. Paul states that God chose the things that are 'nought'—the weak and foolish things of the world—'to bring to nought the things that are' (1 Corinthians 1:28). The apparent foolishness of the cross nullifies the world's wisdom. Human wisdom itself is 'brought to nought' (1 Corinthians 2:6). This represents a dramatic reversal: what the world considers substantial (power, prestige, human wisdom) is rendered void by God's action in Christ, which the world initially saw as nothing. Furthermore, the gospel message was not received 'for nought'; Paul worked to avoid being a financial burden, showing the substance of his ministry (2 Thessalonians 3:8).
Theological Implications of Nought
The concept of nought serves several vital theological functions. First, it is a polemic against idolatry, reducing man-made gods to their true state of non-entity. Second, it is a profound statement of divine sovereignty, affirming that no human council can ultimately thwart God's purposes (Acts 5:38-39). Third, in Paul's writing, it becomes a descriptor of God's surprising method of salvation, which works through what the world dismisses as nothing to achieve its redemptive ends. This underscores the theme that God's strength is perfected in human weakness and that his economy of value radically differs from the world's.
Modern Relevance
For contemporary readers, the biblical theme of 'nought' challenges the ultimate value placed on human achievement, political power, intellectual systems, and material security apart from God. It invites a posture of humility, recognizing that any endeavor opposed to God's will is destined for futility. Conversely, it offers hope that God specializes in working through what is deemed insignificant, foolish, or weak, giving ultimate substance and purpose through Christ.
Biblical Context
The term appears across both Testaments, though the specific English translation 'nought' is more frequent in the KJV and ASV. In the Old Testament, it is found in narrative (Genesis 29:15), wisdom (Job), and prophetic books (Isaiah, Amos), often describing the void nature of idols or the nullification of human plans. In the New Testament, it is primarily a Pauline concept used in 1 Corinthians and 2 Thessalonians to explain God's subversion of worldly wisdom through the cross. It also appears in Acts regarding failed revolts (Acts 5:36) and the potential disrepute of a cult (Acts 19:27).
Theological Significance
'Nought' is theologically significant as a strong affirmation of God's exclusive reality and sovereignty. It teaches that anything set against God—whether idolatrous worship, human wisdom, or political power—is ultimately insubstantial and doomed to failure. This highlights the doctrine of God's omnipotence and the futility of sin. In the New Testament, the concept is redeemed and inverted; God uses what the world considers 'nought' (the crucified Christ, the weak believers) to achieve salvation, demonstrating that his power and wisdom redefine all value and substance. It calls for faith in God's effective word over humanity's empty promises.
Historical Background
The Hebrew words behind 'nought' (tohu, awen) were used in ancient Near Eastern contexts to describe chaos, desert wastes, and falsehood—concepts associated with disorder and non-creation. The polemic against idols being 'nought' directly confronted the vibrant polytheistic cultures surrounding Israel, where idols were believed to be inhabited by powerful deities. In the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament, the idea that God would work through 'nought' (the cross, a shameful death) was scandalous, as it contradicted philosophical ideals of wisdom and societal values of honor and strength. Paul's use of katargeō (to make ineffective) was a legal and commercial term, giving his argument a practical, real-world edge.