δοξάζω

I glorify, honor, bestow glory on

Definition

The verb δοξάζω primarily means 'to glorify,' 'to honor,' or 'to bestow glory upon.' In the New Testament, it most often describes giving praise and honor to God, as when the crowds saw Jesus' miracles and 'glorified God' (Matthew 9:8, Luke 5:25). It can also refer to God glorifying Himself or His Son, revealing His divine majesty (John 12:28, 17:1). In a secondary sense, it can mean to enhance or clothe in splendor, as in the lilies that are more gloriously arrayed than Solomon (Matthew 6:29). In some contexts, it involves humans honoring or praising other humans, though this can be done for wrong motives (Matthew 6:2, John 5:44).

Biblical Usage

Δοξάζω is used 54 times across the New Testament, appearing most frequently in the Gospels and John's writings (especially the Gospel of John and Revelation). Its usage consistently revolves around the concept of ascribing honor. A key pattern is its use in response to divine revelation or miraculous works, where witnesses glorify God (e.g., Luke 2:20, 4:15). In John's theology, it is central to the mutual glorification between the Father and the Son (John 13:31-32, 17:1-5). Paul also uses it to describe how believers should live to 'glorify God' in their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Etymology

Δοξάζω is derived from the noun δόξα (doxa, G1391), which means 'glory,' 'splendor,' 'honor,' or 'reputation.' The verb form is a causative or factitive verb, meaning 'to consider or make glorious,' 'to give glory to.' The root concept of δόξa in classical Greek often referred to 'opinion' or 'reputation,' but in the Septuagint and New Testament, it took on the richer, more objective meaning of the visible manifestation of God's majesty and honor.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically central to understanding God's self-revelation and humanity's proper response. The mutual glorification within the Trinity (Father glorifying Son, Son glorifying Father) is a key theme in John's Gospel, revealing the unity and shared majesty of the Godhead. For believers, to 'glorify God' is the ultimate purpose of life (1 Corinthians 10:31), involving both worshipful praise and a life that reflects His character. Understanding δοξάζω enriches reading by highlighting that biblical 'glory' is not just abstract praise but involves the visible manifestation and recognition of God's worth.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'glory' (doxa) was closely tied to public reputation, honor, and the praise bestowed by society. The biblical use, heavily influenced by the Hebrew concept of 'kavod' (weight, heaviness, majesty), transforms this. God's glory is not merely human opinion but His intrinsic, overwhelming, and often visible splendor. Thus, to 'glorify' God in this context means to recognize and acknowledge this objective reality, which stands in contrast to seeking fleeting human glory (John 12:43).

τιμάω (timaō, G5091) — focuses more on the act of honoring, valuing, or setting a price; often used for honoring parents or authorities. αἰνέω (aineō, G134) — means to praise, often in the sense of speaking praise aloud. ἐπαινέω (epaineō, G1867) — to commend or approve, sometimes with a more formal or official sense.

Word Details

Scripture References