### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G1741 (ἔνδοξος, *éndoxos*) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in," and the noun δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`), meaning "glory," "splendor," "honor," or "reputation." Thus, its core meaning is "in glory," or "full of glory."
The semantic range of G1741 encompasses both a literal and a figurative sense:
1. **Literal/Physical Splendor:** It can describe something that is splendid, magnificent, brilliant, or gorgeous in appearance. This refers to an outward display of radiance or beauty.
2. **Figurative/Moral Excellence:** More profoundly, it denotes something or someone that is noble, honorable, highly esteemed, or renowned. This refers to an inherent quality of worth, dignity, or moral excellence that garners respect and admiration.
The word implies not merely an external attribution of honor, but an intrinsic state of being characterized by glory or high regard. It signifies that which possesses or is imbued with *doxa*.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1741 appears four times in the New Testament, each context illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
* **[[Luke 13:17]]**: "And when he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame, and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him." Here, ἔνδοξος describes the "things" (works or miracles) performed by Jesus. Specifically, it refers to the healing of the crippled woman on the Sabbath. These works are "glorious" because they manifest divine power, compassion, and authority, revealing the inherent glory of God at work through Christ. They are not merely impressive but are acts that bring honor and praise to God.
* **[[1 Corinthians 4:10]]**: "We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honorable, but we are without honor." In this passage, Paul employs ἔνδοξος ironically to contrast the perceived status of the Corinthian believers with the humble and suffering reality of the apostles. The Corinthians, in their self-perception, considered themselves "honorable" or "esteemed" in the eyes of the world, possibly valuing worldly wisdom and status. Paul highlights the paradox of the gospel: true honor in God's economy often involves humility and suffering, which the world deems dishonorable (ἄτιμος, atimos, `{{G820}}`).
* **[[Ephesians 5:27]]**: "that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless." This is a profoundly theological usage, describing the future state of the Church, the bride of Christ. The Church will be "glorious" (ἔνδοξος) not by its own merit, but as a result of Christ's sanctifying work, having cleansed her "by the washing of water with the word" ([[Ephesians 5:26]]). This glory is characterized by purity, holiness, and blamelessness, reflecting the unblemished perfection of Christ Himself. It speaks of an ultimate, eschatological splendor given by the Bridegroom to His bride.
* **[[2 Peter 1:17]]**: "For when he received from God the Father honor and glory, there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" Here, ἔνδοξος modifies δόξης (glory), forming the phrase μεγαλοπρεποῦς δόξης (megaloprepous doxes), translated as "excellent glory" or "majestic glory." This refers to the transcendent, supreme glory of God the Father from which the divine voice was heard during the Transfiguration. It underscores the unparalleled majesty and splendor of God, the ultimate source of all honor and glory, affirming the divine Sonship of Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
G1741 is intimately connected to its root, δόξα (doxa, `{{G1391}}`), which denotes glory, splendor, honor, or reputation. ἔνδοξος describes something or someone that is *in* or *possessing* this quality of δόξα.
Other related terms include:
* δοξάζω (doxazo, `{{G1392}}`): The verb "to glorify" or "to honor," which is the act of bestowing or revealing δόξα.
* ἔντιμος (entimos, `{{G1784}}`): "Honorable," "precious," "esteemed." While similar in conveying honor, ἔνδοξος often carries a stronger connotation of inherent splendor or divine radiance.
* μεγαλοπρεπής (megaloprepēs, `{{G3168}}`): "Magnificent," "splendid," "majestic," used in 2 Peter 1:16-17 in conjunction with δόξης to describe the "excellent glory."
The concept of ἔνδοξος also stands in stark contrast to ἄτιμος (atimos, `{{G820}}`), meaning "dishonorable" or "without honor," as seen in the Pauline contrast in 1 Corinthians 4:10.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔνδοξος is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the work of Christ, and the destiny of the Church:
1. **Divine Majesty and Revelation**: In [[2 Peter 1:17]], ἔνδοξος points to the unapproachable, majestic glory of God the Father. This "excellent glory" is the very essence of divine being, from which the authoritative voice confirms Christ's Sonship. It underscores the ultimate source of all true glory and honor.
2. **Christ's Glorious Works**: The "glorious things" done by Jesus in [[Luke 13:17]] are not merely powerful acts but revelations of God's character and redemptive purpose. Christ's miracles are inherently ἔνδοξος because they manifest His divine authority, compassion, and the breaking in of God's kingdom, thereby bringing glory to God.
3. **The Church's Eschatological Purity and Splendor**: Perhaps its most striking usage is in [[Ephesians 5:27]], where the Church is presented as "a glorious church." This speaks to the future, perfected state of the Church, purified and made holy by Christ's sacrificial love. The Church's ἔνδοξος state is not self-achieved but is a gracious gift from Christ, who presents her to Himself without blemish. This vision emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's work and the ultimate destiny of His redeemed people to reflect His own glory and holiness. It is a glory of intrinsic purity and moral beauty, rather than outward pomp.
4. **Redefinition of Honor**: The ironic use in [[1 Corinthians 4:10]] serves a crucial theological purpose. It challenges worldly notions of honor and status, contrasting them with the humble and often suffering path of true discipleship. For the apostle, being "without honor" in the world's eyes is precisely what aligns them with Christ's own suffering and humility, which ultimately leads to divine glory.
### Summary
ἔνδοξος (éndoxos, `{{G1741}}`) literally means "in glory" or "full of glory," encompassing both physical splendor and, more significantly, inherent nobility, honor, and renown. Its New Testament occurrences reveal its rich theological depth: it describes the majestic glory of God the Father, the divine efficacy and revelatory power of Christ's works, and the future, purified, and splendid state of the Church, presented by Christ Himself. Furthermore, it highlights the contrast between worldly honor and the true, often paradoxical, honor found in humble service to God. Ultimately, ἔνδοξος points to a state of being infused with or characterized by true glory, whether that be the inherent glory of the divine or the bestowed glory of those made holy by God's grace.
TRV