### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1740}}` (endoxázō) is derived from the adjective `{{G1741}}` (endoxos), meaning "glorious," "honorable," or "renowned." The prefix ἐν- (en-) intensifies the action, suggesting an internalizing or an intensified state of glory. Thus, `{{G1740}}` signifies "to make glorious," "to cause to be glorious," or "to glorify" in an emphatic sense. While sharing semantic overlap with the more common verb `{{G1392}}` (doxazō), `{{G1740}}` often implies a deeper or more complete manifestation of inherent glory, or the bringing forth of glory *within* someone or something. It is not merely to ascribe glory, but to actively imbue with or reveal glory and splendor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1740}}` appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct yet complementary insight into its meaning:
1. **[[2 Thessalonians 1:10]]**: "when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed."
* Here, `{{G1740}}` is used in the passive voice, describing Christ "to be glorified" (ἐνδοξασθῆναι) *in* (ἐν) His saints. This is an eschatological statement, pointing to the future return of Christ. The glory of Christ will not be revealed in isolation, but profoundly *through* and *within* His redeemed people. The saints themselves become the medium or context for the display of Christ's splendor, implying a mutual glorification where their transformed lives and perfected state reflect His ultimate triumph.
2. **[[1 Peter 1:8]]**: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy."
* In this verse, `{{G1740}}` appears as a passive participle, ἐνδοξαζομένῃ (endoxazomenē), modifying "joy" (χαρᾷ). It describes a "glorious joy" or "joy that is being glorified." This is not merely a joy that causes glory, but a joy that is itself imbued with divine glory, a quality of the joy that partakes in the splendor of God. This inexpressible and glorious joy is rooted in the believers' faith in the unseen Christ and the certainty of their salvation, reflecting the very glory of the One in whom they believe.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G1740}}` is closely connected to the broader concept of "glory" in the biblical tradition. Key related terms include:
* `{{G1391}}` (doxa): The noun for "glory," "splendor," "honor," or "reputation." It often refers to the manifest presence or character of God.
* `{{G1392}}` (doxazō): The more general verb "to glorify," meaning to praise, honor, or cause to appear glorious. `{{G1740}}` can be seen as an intensified or more specific form of this verb.
* `{{G1741}}` (endoxos): The adjective "glorious," "honorable," or "renowned," from which `{{G1740}}` is directly derived.
* Concepts of divine manifestation, eschatological hope, sanctification, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are all related, as they speak to the process by which God's glory is revealed in and through His people.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent use of `{{G1740}}` carries significant theological weight.
1. **Christ's Ultimate Vindication and the Church's Destiny:** In [[2 Thessalonians 1:10]], the glorification of Christ *in His saints* underscores the profound union between the Head and His Body. It reveals that God's ultimate purpose includes not only the glorification of His Son but also the glorification of His redeemed people, who will perfectly reflect His character and splendor. This speaks to the high destiny of the church as the vessel through which Christ's glory will be fully displayed in the eschatological age. It is a testament to God's faithfulness in bringing His redemptive plan to its glorious consummation.
2. **The Divine Quality of Believers' Joy:** [[1 Peter 1:8]] highlights a joy that is not merely human emotion but a participation in divine glory. This "glorious joy" is a foretaste of the future glory, rooted in a present faith that transcends sight. It is a joy that is resilient in the face of trials, precisely because it is infused with the glory of God, emanating from the saving work of Christ and the hope of eternal salvation. This joy serves as an internal witness to the reality of God's presence and power in the lives of believers.
### Summary
`{{G1740}}` (endoxázō) means "to make glorious" or "to cause to be glorious," an intensified form of "to glorify." Its two New Testament occurrences reveal profound theological truths:
1. In [[2 Thessalonians 1:10]], it describes Christ being glorified *in* His saints at His future coming, emphasizing the mutual and eschatological manifestation of His glory through His redeemed people.
2. In [[1 Peter 1:8]], it characterizes the "glorious joy" of believers, a joy that is supernaturally imbued with divine splendor, stemming from their faith in the unseen Christ.
Together, these uses highlight God's active work in bringing forth and manifesting glory, both in the person of Christ through His church and in the profound, divinely-infused experience of believers. The word points to the ultimate purpose of God to glorify Himself in and through His creation, particularly His redeemed humanity.
TRV