δόξα

honor, renown, glory splendor

Definition

δόξα (doxa) primarily means 'glory,' 'honor,' or 'splendor.' In the New Testament, it most significantly refers to the radiant majesty and visible manifestation of God's presence, as seen in the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2) and the heavenly visions of Revelation (Revelation 21:23). It also denotes the honor, praise, and reputation given by people, whether to God (Luke 2:14) or among humans (John 5:44). Furthermore, it describes the future, glorious state of believers, sharing in Christ's resurrection splendor (Romans 8:18, Philippians 3:21).

Biblical Usage

δόξα is used throughout the New Testament, with high concentration in the Gospels, Pauline epistles, and Revelation. It is used in doxologies (e.g., Luke 2:14), descriptions of Christ's majesty (e.g., John 1:14), eschatological promises for believers (e.g., Colossians 3:4), and warnings about seeking human praise (e.g., John 12:43). A key pattern is its movement from describing visible splendor to encompassing the honor and praise due to God.

Etymology

Derived from the verb δοκέω (dokeō), meaning 'to think' or 'to seem.' In classical Greek, δόξa originally meant 'opinion' or 'reputation.' By the time of the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), it was used to translate the Hebrew כָּבוֹד (kabod), which signifies 'weight' or 'heaviness,' and thus came to mean the tangible 'weight' or manifest splendor of God's presence, profoundly shaping its New Testament meaning.

Semantic Range

δόξa is central to understanding God's nature, Christology, and soteriology. It captures the visible reality of God's presence (the Shekinah glory) and is integral to the doctrine of the Incarnation (John 1:14). It is key to eschatology, describing both Christ's return in glory (Matthew 25:31) and the believer's future glorification (Romans 8:30). Understanding its range—from divine manifestation to bestowed honor—enriches reading by showing that God's glory is both His inherent nature and what He graciously shares with His people.

In the Greco-Roman world, δόξa often referred to human reputation, honor, and the brilliant splendor associated with deities or kings. The Jewish context, via the Septuagint, infused it with the concept of God's tangible, overwhelming presence (e.g., filling the tabernacle, Exodus 40:34-35). This fusion created a rich term where divine radiance and praiseworthiness converge, differing from a modern understanding that might reduce 'glory' to mere fame or brilliance.

τιμή (timē, G5092) — honor, often in the sense of price, value, or respect paid. ἔπαινος (epainos, G1868) — praise, specifically verbal commendation. λαμπρότης (lamprotes, G2987) — brightness, brilliance, focusing more on the physical quality of light.

Word Details

Scripture References