συνδοξάζω

I glorify together with

Definition

The verb συνδοξάζω means 'to glorify together with' or 'to share in glory.' It denotes a joint participation in receiving and expressing divine glory, specifically the glory of God. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Romans 8:17, it refers to believers being glorified together with Christ, following their suffering with Him. This glorification is not a separate event but is intrinsically linked to union with Christ, indicating that believers will ultimately share in His resurrected, exalted state.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 8:17. It appears in a profound theological context discussing the believer's identity as a child of God and co-heir with Christ. The usage pattern is specific: it follows the concept of suffering with Christ ('συμπάσχομεν') and leads into the inheritance promise. The term is used by Paul to climax a sequence about union with Christ in both His sufferings and His subsequent glory.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition σύν (syn, G4862), meaning 'with' or 'together with,' and the verb δοξάζω (doxazō, G1392), meaning 'to glorify,' 'to honor,' or 'to give glory to.' The root δοξάζω itself comes from δόξα (doxa, G1391), meaning 'glory,' 'splendor,' or 'honor.' Thus, συνδοξάζω literally means 'to glorify jointly' or 'to co-glorify,' emphasizing shared participation in the state of glory.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the doctrine of union with Christ, particularly in His glorification. It assures believers that their future glory is not merely similar to Christ's but is a shared, participatory reality stemming from their adoption as God's children (Romans 8:14-17). Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting that Christian hope is not just about individual reward but about being included in the glorified life of the resurrected Christ Himself.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'glory' (doxa) often related to public honor, reputation, or visible splendor. For Paul, redefining it in a Christian context, divine glory is the radiant manifestation of God's presence and character. The concept of 'sharing' in this glory with a crucified Messiah would have been counter-cultural, transforming the pursuit of honor from a personal achievement to a received gift through relational union.

δοξάζω (doxazō, G1392) — The root verb meaning simply 'to glorify,' without the emphasis on joint participation. συγκακοπαθέω (synkakopatheō, G4777) — Means 'to suffer hardship together with,' used in 2 Timothy 2:3, sharing the 'with' prefix but focusing on shared suffering rather than shared glory. συγκληρονόμος (synklēronomos, G4789) — Means 'joint-heir' or 'co-heir,' used in the same verse (Romans 8:17), describing the legal status that precedes the action of being 'glorified together.'

Word Details

Scripture References