from the base of δοκέω; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δόξα (dóxa, `{{G1391}}`) is a rich and multifaceted term, deriving from the verb δοκέω (dokeō, `{{G1380}}`), meaning "to seem," "to think," or "to appear." This etymological root is crucial, as it indicates an original semantic range related to opinion, reputation, or what is thought of someone. However, in biblical usage, particularly under the influence of the Septuagint (LXX) translation of the Hebrew כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`), δόξα transcends mere human opinion to denote an objective reality of manifest splendor, inherent majesty, and divine radiance.
Its semantic range in the New Testament encompasses several key aspects:
1. **Reputation/Opinion:** While less common than other uses, it can occasionally refer to human reputation or honor, as in [[John 5:41]] or [[1 Thessalonians 2:6]].
2. **Honor/Praise:** The recognition or esteem given to someone, often in the context of worship or acknowledging worth, as seen when giving "glory" to God ([[Luke 17:18]], [[Romans 4:20]]).
3. **Splendor/Radiance:** A visible manifestation of greatness, beauty, or power, particularly divine, often associated with light ([[Luke 2:9]], [[Acts 22:11]]).
4. **Majesty/Dignity:** The inherent greatness, authority, or exalted status, especially of God and Christ ([[Ephesians 1:17]], [[Hebrews 1:3]]).
5. **Divine Presence:** Used to describe the manifest presence of God, akin to the Old Testament concept of the Shekinah glory ([[Romans 9:4]]).
6. **Future State of Blessedness:** The eschatological glory that believers will share with Christ ([[Romans 8:18]], [[Colossians 3:4]]).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word δόξα appears over 160 times in the New Testament, reflecting its profound theological significance. Its usage is deeply informed by the Old Testament, where it frequently translates כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`), which describes the "weight," "substance," "honor," and visible "splendor" of God. This connection is vital for understanding δόξα as the manifest presence and inherent majesty of the Almighty.
**1. God's Glory:**
* **Inherent Nature:** δόξα often describes the intrinsic nature of God, His unapproachable light and supreme majesty ([[1 Timothy 6:16]], [[Romans 1:23]]).
* **Manifestation:** It refers to God's visible self-revelation, as seen in the angelic announcement to the shepherds ([[Luke 2:9]]), Stephen's vision of God's glory ([[Acts 7:55]]), or the heavenly worship in Revelation ([[Revelation 4:9-11]]).
* **Purpose of Creation/Redemption:** All things exist for God's δόξα, and His redemptive plan is ultimately designed to display His glory ([[Romans 11:36]], [[Ephesians 3:21]]).
**2. Christ's Glory:**
* **Pre-existent Glory:** Jesus shared δόξα with the Father before the world began ([[John 17:5]]).
* **Incarnate Glory:** While veiled in His humanity, Christ's δόξα was revealed through His miracles ([[John 2:11]]), His transfiguration ([[Matthew 17:2]], [[2 Peter 1:17]]), and His unique identity as the "only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" ([[John 1:14]]). He is the "radiance of the glory of God" ([[Hebrews 1:3]]).
* **Post-Resurrection/Ascension Glory:** After His resurrection and ascension, Christ entered into His full δόξα ([[Luke 24:26]], [[Philippians 2:11]]).
* **Second Coming Glory:** He will return in δόξα to judge and establish His kingdom ([[Matthew 24:30]], [[Titus 2:13]]).
**3. Human Glory:**
* **Fallen State:** Humanity has "fallen short of the glory of God" ([[Romans 3:23]]), having lost the original reflection of God's δόξα due to sin.
* **Future Glory for Believers:** Through Christ, believers are destined to be restored to and share in God's δόξα. This involves transformation into Christ's likeness ([[2 Corinthians 3:18]]), participation in His suffering leading to future glory ([[Romans 8:17-18]]), and the ultimate hope of being glorified with Him ([[Colossians 3:4]]).
* **Giving Glory to God:** Believers are called to live in a way that brings δόξα to God ([[1 Corinthians 10:31]], [[Philippians 1:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of δόξα is significantly enhanced by examining its relationship with other biblical terms and theological concepts.
* **Hebrew כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`):** As noted, this is the primary Old Testament Hebrew counterpart, signifying weight, substance, honor, and visible splendor. The LXX's consistent translation of kavod as δόξα infused the Greek term with a profound theological depth, particularly concerning God's manifest presence (the Shekinah glory).
* **δοκέω (dokeō, `{{G1380}}`):** The verb from which δόξα derives, meaning "to seem," "to think," or "to have an opinion." This etymological link highlights the shift from subjective human opinion to objective divine manifestation.
* **ἔπαινος (epainos, `{{G1868}}`):** "Praise" or "commendation." Often used alongside δόξα when referring to the praise and honor given to God ([[Ephesians 1:6]], [[Philippians 1:11]]).
* **τιμή (timē, `{{G5092}}`):** "Honor," "value," or "worth." Similar to δόξα in the sense of esteem or respect, but δόξα carries a stronger connotation of inherent splendor and manifest greatness.
* **φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`):** "Light." δόξα is frequently depicted as light, reflecting God's nature as light and the visible manifestation of His presence ([[1 John 1:5]]). The glory of God often appears as brilliant light.
* **Shekinah:** Though not a biblical word, this rabbinic term describes the dwelling or settling of the divine presence, which is precisely what δόξα often conveys in the Old and New Testaments (e.g., God's glory filling the Tabernacle/Temple).
* **Theophany:** A visible manifestation of God to humanity, often accompanied by δόξα (e.g., God appearing on Mount Sinai).
* **Transfiguration:** A pivotal event where Christ's divine δόξα was momentarily unveiled to His disciples ([[Matthew 17:1-8]]).
### Theological Significance
The concept of δόξα is central to biblical theology, serving as a foundational pillar for understanding God, Christ, humanity, and salvation.
1. **God's Supreme Worth and Sovereignty:** δόξα emphatically declares God's ultimate majesty, inherent value, and unchallengeable authority. It underscores that He is worthy of all honor, praise, and worship from His creation. The pursuit and display of His δόξα is the ultimate purpose of all things.
2. **Christ's Deity and Redemptive Work:** The δόξα of Christ confirms His divine nature and His co-equality with the Father. His incarnation, suffering, resurrection, and ascension are all facets of His redemptive work, which culminates in His being glorified and bringing many sons to δόξα ([[Hebrews 2:10]]). He is the perfect revelation of God's δόξα.
3. **Humanity's Purpose and Redemption:** Humans were created to reflect God's δόξα (Imago Dei). Sin marred this reflection, leading to humanity "falling short of the glory of God" ([[Romans 3:23]]). However, through Christ, believers are redeemed *for* God's δόξα and are progressively transformed *into* His δόξα ([[2 Corinthians 3:18]]), culminating in an eschatological hope of full glorification. This transformation is not merely an outward appearance but an inward change of character and being.
4. **Worship and Revelation:** Giving δόξα to God is the primary act of worship, acknowledging His supreme worth and power. Conversely, God reveals Himself *through* His δόξα, making His character, power, and presence known to His creation.
### Summary
δόξα (dóxa, `{{G1391}}`) is a profoundly significant Greek term in the New Testament, translating to "glory." Its meaning evolved from human opinion to encompass the radiant, manifest presence, inherent majesty, and supreme worth of God. Deeply influenced by the Hebrew כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`), δόξα describes God's intrinsic nature, His visible self-revelations, and the divine splendor of Christ, both in His pre-existence, incarnation, and ultimate return. For humanity, δόξα highlights both our fallen state—having lost God's glory—and our redemptive destiny—to be restored to and share in Christ's glory. Ultimately, δόξα encapsulates the very essence of God's being, His self-revelation to creation, and the ultimate purpose of all existence: to render Him honor, praise, and worship. It is a concept that permeates the biblical narrative, pointing to God's ultimate supremacy and the glorious future awaiting His redeemed people.
TRV