Glory (Kabod)
כָּבוֹד (kabod)
Weightiness and splendor — the heavy, radiant, awe-inspiring presence of God.
Kabod is the Hebrew word for glory, meaning 'weight' or 'heaviness.' It describes God's substantial, radiant, manifest presence — so weighty and real that it fills spaces, overwhelms senses, and demands reverent awe.
"And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." — Exodus 33:18 (KJV)
Key Verses
Isaiah 6:3
“Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”Read in context
Habakkuk 2:14
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H3519 — Glory (Kabod) (כָּבוֹד (kabod))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where כָּבוֹד (kabod) appears.
Open Strong's H3519Etymology and Original Meaning
Kabod comes from the root kabad, meaning 'to be heavy' or 'to be weighty.' Glory in Hebrew is not ethereal or wispy but substantial, heavy, and overwhelming. When applied to people, kabod means honor, reputation, or wealth (Abraham was 'heavy' with livestock — Genesis 13:2). When applied to God, it describes the overwhelming weight of His manifest presence.
The Visible Glory
God's kabod appeared visibly throughout Israel's history: as a cloud filling the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35), a fire on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:17), a light guiding through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21), and a radiance filling Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:11). These visible manifestations taught Israel that God was not an abstract concept but a present, powerful, overwhelming reality.
Moses and the Glory
Moses' boldest request was 'Show me thy glory' (Exodus 33:18). God responded that no one could see His full glory and live (Exodus 33:20), but He hid Moses in a rock cleft and passed by, allowing Moses to see His 'back' — the afterglow of His passing. Moses' face afterward shone so brightly that he wore a veil (Exodus 34:29-35). Proximity to glory transforms.
The Earth Filled with Glory
The prophets envisioned a day when God's glory would fill the entire earth 'as the waters cover the sea' (Habakkuk 2:14). This is the ultimate trajectory of history — not chaos but glory. The glory that was once confined to the Holy of Holies will permeate all creation. Revelation confirms this: God's glory illuminates the New Jerusalem, replacing the need for sun or moon (Revelation 21:23).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kabod mean in Hebrew?
Kabod means 'weight,' 'heaviness,' or 'glory.' It describes God's substantial, radiant, manifest presence — so real and overwhelming that it fills spaces and overwhelms senses with reverent awe.
Can humans see God's glory?
Humans have seen manifestations of God's glory (the cloud, the fire, the Shekinah) but not His full glory — 'no man shall see me and live' (Exodus 33:20). In Christ, believers behold God's glory in human form (John 1:14).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Glory (Kabod)"?
Exodus 33:18 — "And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 6:3, Habakkuk 2:14.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Glory (Kabod)" matter?
Kabod comes from the root kabad, meaning 'to be heavy' or 'to be weighty.' Glory in Hebrew is not ethereal or wispy but substantial, heavy, and overwhelming. English uses one word, "Glory (Kabod)", where the Hebrew כָּבוֹד (kabod) carries the fuller sense: weightiness and splendor — the heavy, radiant, awe-inspiring presence of god.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Glory (Kabod) (כָּבוֹד (kabod))
Weightiness and splendor — the heavy, radiant, awe-inspiring presence of God.
Strong's H3519 — Glory (Kabod)
כָּבוֹד (kabod) • Weightiness and splendor — the heavy, radiant, awe-inspiring presence of God.
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
Hebrews 13:5 Commentary
In-depth study • Contentment & God's Presence
Biblical Meaning of Fire in a Dream (KJV)
God's presence, purification, and judgment.
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