Skip to main content

    Glory

    כָּבוֹד (kavod)

    The weighty, radiant splendor and manifest presence of God.

    Hebrew
    Strong's G1391
    Pronunciation: kah-VOD
    Quick Answer

    Kavod is the Hebrew word for glory, literally meaning 'weight' or 'heaviness.' It describes God's majestic, visible presence — His radiant splendor that fills the temple and the earth.

    "And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." — Exodus 33:18 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Exodus 33:18

    “And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.”
    Read in context

    Psalm 19:1

    “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
    Read in context

    John 1:14

    “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
    Read in context

    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G1391 — Glory (כָּבוֹד (kavod))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where כָּבוֹד (kavod) appears.

    Open Strong's G1391

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Kavod comes from the Hebrew root kaved, meaning 'heavy' or 'weighty.' When applied to God, it conveys the idea of His significance, importance, and manifest presence being so substantial that it is felt and even seen. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle as a cloud (Exodus 40:34) and later Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:11).

    The Glory Cloud

    Throughout Israel's history, God's glory appeared as a visible cloud — the Shekinah. It led Israel through the wilderness as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21). When the glory filled the tabernacle, even Moses could not enter (Exodus 40:35). This glory was God's tangible, awe-inspiring presence among His people.

    Glory in Christ

    John declares that the Word became flesh and 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). In Jesus, God's kavod took on human form. The transfiguration (Matthew 17:2) gave a glimpse of this veiled glory. Paul writes that God 'hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ' (2 Corinthians 4:6).

    Living for God's Glory

    Believers are called to do all things for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This means reflecting His character, declaring His worth, and living in a way that makes His presence weighty and real to others. The ultimate hope is to share in His glory eternally (Romans 8:18).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does glory mean in the Bible?

    Glory (kavod) means the weighty, radiant, manifest presence of God. It describes His splendor, majesty, and the visible evidence of His divine nature.

    What is the glory of God?

    The glory of God is the outshining of His attributes — His holiness, power, love, and beauty made visible. It appeared as a cloud in the tabernacle and was fully revealed in Jesus Christ.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Glory"?

    Exodus 33:18 — "And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory" (KJV). It also appears in Psalm 19:1, John 1:14.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Glory" matter?

    Kavod comes from the Hebrew root kaved, meaning 'heavy' or 'weighty.' When applied to God, it conveys the idea of His significance, importance, and manifest presence being so substantial that it is felt and even seen. English uses one word, "Glory", where the Hebrew כָּבוֹד (kavod) carries the fuller sense: the weighty, radiant splendor and manifest presence of god.

    Related Words

    Shekinah
    Holy
    Praise

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Word Meaning

    Glory (כָּבוֹד (Kavod) / δόξα (Doxa))

    The visible splendor, weight, and majesty of God's presence

    Strong's

    Strong's G1391 — Glory

    כָּבוֹד (Kavod) / δόξα (Doxa) • The visible splendor, weight, and majesty of God's presence

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)

    Life, atonement, and covenant with God.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Fire in a Dream (KJV)

    God's presence, purification, and judgment.

    Word Meaning

    Glory (Kabod) (כָּבוֹד (kabod))

    Weightiness and splendor — the heavy, radiant, awe-inspiring presence of God.

    Strong's

    Strong's H3519 — Glory (Kabod)

    כָּבוֹד (kabod) • Weightiness and splendor — the heavy, radiant, awe-inspiring presence of God.

    ← Previous

    Maranatha

    Next →

    Holy

    Where to go next

    Studied the meaning of Glory? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.