ἐνδοξάζω

I glorify

Definition

The verb ἐνδοξάζω (endoxazō) means 'to glorify' or 'to honor as glorious.' In its active voice, it signifies the act of ascribing glory to someone, particularly to God, acknowledging His inherent splendor and majesty. In its passive voice, as used in 2 Thessalonians 1:10, it describes believers being glorified in Christ, sharing in His honor at His return. The word carries a sense of being clothed with or surrounded by glory, emphasizing a state of being recognized as magnificent. Both of its New Testament occurrences are found in 2 Thessalonians, where it connects the glorification of Christ with the glorification of His people.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in 2 Thessalonians 1. In 2 Thessalonians 1:10, it appears in the passive voice ('to be glorified in'), referring to how believers will be honored in Christ at His second coming. In 2 Thessalonians 1:12, it is used in a purpose clause so that 'the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you.' The usage is exclusively theological, focusing on the mutual glorification between Christ and His church within the context of eschatological judgment and vindication.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐν (en, meaning 'in' or 'among') and the verb δοξάζω (doxazō, G1392, meaning 'to glorify' or 'to honor'). Δοξάζω itself comes from the noun δόξα (doxa, G1391, 'glory'). Thus, ἐνδοξάζω intensifies the idea of glorification, suggesting being glorified 'within' a context or sphere, or being enveloped in glory. It implies a glorification that is inherent to or displayed within a specific relationship or setting.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it uniquely ties the glory of believers directly to the glory of Christ. It teaches that the church's ultimate honor is not self-generated but is found 'in' Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:12). This concept reinforces the union between Christ and His people, where His glorification results in theirs (2 Thessalonians 1:10). Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the profound, reciprocal nature of divine glory shared within the God-human relationship, a key theme in New Testament eschatology and soteriology.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'glory' (doxa) was often associated with public honor, reputation, and visible splendor, especially for rulers, military victors, or benefactors. The biblical concept, while using this cultural language, radically redefines glory around the character of God and the paradoxical triumph of the crucified and risen Messiah. The prefix 'en-' (in) would resonate with ideas of being honored within a community or relationship, but the New Testament applies it to the intimate, transformative union between Christ and the church, which was a distinctively Christian development.

δοξάζω (doxazō, G1392) — The simpler root verb meaning 'to glorify,' without the specific nuance of being glorified 'within' a context. ἐπαινέω (epaineō, G1867) — Means 'to praise' or 'commend,' focusing more on verbal approval than on bestowing or sharing in intrinsic glory. τιμάω (timaō, G5091) — Means 'to honor' or 'value,' often in terms of respect or price, but does not carry the same weight of divine splendor as 'glorify.'

Word Details

Scripture References