Glory (Doxa)
δόξα (doxa)
Radiant splendor, honor, and praise — the visible manifestation of God's excellence.
Doxa is the Greek word for glory, meaning splendor, honor, and radiant excellence. It describes both God's manifested greatness and the praise that His greatness evokes from all creation.
"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." — John 17:5 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 17:5
“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”Read in context
2 Corinthians 3:18
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1391 — Glory (Doxa) (δόξα (doxa))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where δόξα (doxa) appears.
Open Strong's G1391Etymology and Original Meaning
Doxa originally meant 'opinion' or 'reputation' in classical Greek. In the Septuagint, it translates the Hebrew kavod ('weight, glory'), absorbing its rich theological meaning. The shift from 'opinion' to 'glory' is significant: God's doxa is not what people think about Him but His actual, radiant, weighty splendor — the objective reality of His manifested excellence.
The Glory of God
God's glory is the outshining of His attributes — His holiness, power, love, and beauty made visible. At the transfiguration, Jesus' glory broke through His humanity (Matthew 17:2). Paul says that all humans have 'come short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23) — we were made to reflect God's glory but sin has dimmed that reflection.
From Glory to Glory
Paul teaches that believers, beholding God's glory, 'are changed into the same image from glory to glory' (2 Corinthians 3:18). Sanctification is a progressive revelation and reflection of glory — as believers gaze at Christ, they are transformed to look more like Him. This is the Spirit's work: incrementally restoring the glory that sin diminished.
The Hope of Glory
The ultimate Christian hope is glorification — sharing in God's glory fully and permanently. 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27). Present sufferings are 'not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us' (Romans 8:18). Glorification is the completion of salvation — when believers are fully conformed to Christ's glorious image.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does doxa mean in Greek?
Doxa means glory, splendor, honor, and radiant excellence. It describes God's manifested greatness and the honor and praise that His greatness evokes.
What does it mean to glorify God?
To glorify God means to make His attributes visible and to honor Him as supremely worthy. Believers glorify God by reflecting His character, declaring His worth, and living in a way that displays His excellence.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Glory (Doxa)"?
John 17:5 — "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 3:23, 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Why does the Greek word behind "Glory (Doxa)" matter?
Doxa originally meant 'opinion' or 'reputation' in classical Greek. English uses one word, "Glory (Doxa)", where the Greek δόξα (doxa) carries the fuller sense: radiant splendor, honor, and praise — the visible manifestation of god's excellence.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Glory (Doxa) (δόξα (doxa))
Radiant splendor, honor, and praise — the visible manifestation of God's excellence.
Glory (כָּבוֹד (Kavod) / δόξα (Doxa))
The visible splendor, weight, and majesty of God's presence
Strong's G1391 — Glory
כָּבוֹד (Kavod) / δόξα (Doxa) • The visible splendor, weight, and majesty of God's presence
Strong's H3519 — Glory (Kabod)
כָּבוֹד (kabod) • Weightiness and splendor — the heavy, radiant, awe-inspiring presence of God.
Biblical Meaning of the Color White in a Dream (KJV)
Purity, righteousness, and the garments of the redeemed.
Biblical Meaning of Gold in a Dream (KJV)
Divine glory, tested faith, and true riches.
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