Understanding δόξα (doxa) Strong’s G1391: The Divine Glory that Reveals God’s Splendor and Transforms Believers

Pronunciation Guide: DOX-ah (δόξα)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1391: δόξα (doxa), in its most fundamental sense, refers to the brilliant, magnificent manifestation of God’s presence, character, and power. It encompasses the concepts of honor, renown, splendor, radiance, and the visible display of divine excellency. In the New Testament, it often refers to the revealed presence of God that evokes awe, wonder, and reverence from those who encounter it.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from the verb δοκέω (dokeō, “to think, suppose, appear”)
• Indo-European origin with pre-classical Greek development
• Prominent in narrative sections, epistles, and apocalyptic literature
• Frequently used in doxologies and worship contexts
• Often appears in passages describing divine manifestations
• Common in eschatological passages about future revelation

δόξα Morphology:

• δόξα (nominative singular) – glory
• δόξης (genitive singular) – of glory
• δόξῃ (dative singular) – in/with/by glory
• δόξαν (accusative singular) – glory (direct object)
• δόξαι (nominative plural) – glories
• δοξῶν (genitive plural) – of glories
• δόξαις (dative plural) – in/with/by glories
• δόξας (accusative plural) – glories (direct object)

Origin & History

In classical Greek literature, δόξα originally referred to “opinion” or “what one thinks.” It derives from the verb δοκέω (dokeō), meaning “to think” or “to seem.” In works such as Plato’s “Republic,” δόξα contrasted with ἐπιστήμη (epistēmē, “true knowledge”), representing mere opinion rather than certainty. However, by the Hellenistic period, the term evolved to include the concept of “reputation” or “honor” as seen in Thucydides’ historical works.

The Septuagint (LXX) dramatically transformed δόξα by using it to translate the Hebrew כָּבוֹד (kavod), which refers to the weighty, substantial presence of God. This semantic shift was revolutionary, as exemplified in Exodus 40:34-35 where the δόξα of יהוה (Yahweh) filled the tabernacle. This usage influenced the New Testament writers profoundly. In early patristic literature, Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch frequently employed δόξα in their epistles when describing the magnificence of God and the honor due to Him, further cementing its theological importance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The visible, radiant manifestation of God’s presence that evokes awe and wonder
• The honor, esteem, or high regard given to someone due to their worth or accomplishments
• The inherent splendor, majesty, and excellence of a person or being (especially divine)
• The future state of exaltation and transformation promised to believers
• The weighty significance or importance of something of great value

δόξα Translation Options:

• Glory – Most common English translation that captures the sense of splendor and magnificence, though it lacks the visual connotation of brightness present in many biblical contexts
• Splendor – Emphasizes the visual brilliance aspect of δόξα when describing divine manifestations
• Honor – Appropriate when δόξα refers to the esteem given to someone worthy of recognition
• Radiance – Useful when translating passages that emphasize the luminous quality of God’s revealed presence
• Majesty – Helpful for contexts emphasizing the kingly aspects of divine δόξα

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δόξα appears 166 times, with notable concentrations in John’s Gospel, Romans, and the Corinthian letters. In its first appearance in Matthew 4:8, Satan shows Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory,” using δόξα to describe worldly splendor—a striking contrast to the true divine δόξα that Jesus would later reveal. This sets up an important theological tension throughout Scripture between false, temporal glory and true, eternal glory.

The concept reaches its zenith in Christ, described as the radiance of God’s δόξα in Hebrews 1:3. John’s Gospel particularly emphasizes this, stating that “we have seen His δόξα, glory as of the only begotten from the Father” (John 1:14). In Paul’s writings, δόξα becomes central to soteriology and eschatology, describing both God’s nature and the believer’s ultimate transformation—being changed “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

• “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory [δόξαν].” Matthew 4:8
• “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory [δόξαν], glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
• “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory [δόξης] of God.” Romans 3:23
• “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory [δόξαν] of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory [δόξης] to glory [δόξαν], just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
• “He is the radiance of His glory [δόξης] and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.” Hebrews 1:3
• “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous glory [δόξαν].” 1 Peter 2:9
• “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory [δόξαν] and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11

Cultural Insights

In the Ancient Near East, glory was often associated with visible manifestations of divine presence. The Hebrew concept of כָּבוֹד (kavod) that underlies the New Testament use of δόξα was linked to the Shekinah glory—the visible, luminous presence of יהוה (Yahweh) that filled the tabernacle and later the temple. This manifestation was often accompanied by cloud and fire, powerful symbols in a desert culture where clouds provided rare shade and fire offered protection and guidance at night.

For first-century Jews, this glory-presence had profound significance as it represented God’s covenant faithfulness. The intertestamental period had been marked by the absence of this visible glory, what rabbis called the “withdrawal of the Shekinah.” The appearance of the δόξα at the Messiah’s birth (Luke 2:9) and transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) would have been understood as the dramatic return of God’s presence to His people—a fulfillment of prophetic hopes and expectations. The Messiah Jesus Himself became the tabernacle of God’s glory among His people, making the abstract concept tangible and personal.

Theological Significance

The concept of δόξα stands at the center of biblical revelation, revealing fundamental truths about both God’s nature and humanity’s purpose. God’s glory is not merely something He possesses but expresses who He is—the outward manifestation of His intrinsic worth, beauty, and excellence. When Scripture speaks of giving glory to God, it refers not to adding something to Him but to recognizing and acknowledging what is already true about Him. This recognition becomes the foundation of true worship.

The glory of God also establishes the purpose of creation and redemption. Romans 11:36 concludes that all things are “to Him” (εἰς αὐτὸν)—directed toward His glory as their ultimate end. The incarnation represents the supreme revelation of this glory, as the invisible God becomes visible in the Messiah Jesus (Colossians 1:15). Most remarkably, believers are invited to participate in this glory through union with the Messiah. Paul’s declaration that we are being transformed “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18) reveals the astounding truth that God’s redemptive purpose includes sharing His very glory with His people—not just as observers but as participants.

This glory-sharing reaches its culmination in the believer’s final glorification (Romans 8:30), when we will be fully conformed to the image of God’s Son. Thus, δόξα ties together protology (the study of origins) and eschatology (the study of last things), revealing that God’s purpose from beginning to end is to display and share His magnificent presence.

Personal Application

Encountering God’s δόξα transforms our perspective on both worship and daily living. When we truly grasp the weight and brilliance of divine glory, worship shifts from obligation to joyful response. Every moment becomes an opportunity to reflect and reveal aspects of His character. Ask yourself: Am I living as a vessel of God’s glory? Does my life direct attention to His excellence rather than my own achievements?

The journey of faith can be understood as a progressive unveiling—learning to see and reflect God’s glory more clearly (2 Corinthians 3:18). This understanding invites us to approach difficulties differently. Our suffering, when surrendered to יהוה (Yahweh), becomes the very context in which His glory is often most powerfully revealed. As with Moses whose face shone after encountering God’s glory (Exodus 34:29-35), time spent in the Messiah’s presence leaves visible evidence that transforms how we interact with everyone we meet.

Related Words

• τιμή (timē, tee-MAY) – honor, value, price; focuses more on the worth assigned to someone or something rather than visual splendor. While δόξα often has visual manifestations, τιμή emphasizes the valuation or esteem given. See G5092
• λαμπρότης (lamprotēs, lam-PROT-ace) – brightness, splendor; specifically emphasizes the visual, luminous aspect of glory without the full theological depth of δόξα. It focuses purely on the brightness or brilliance aspect. See G2987
• μεγαλωσύνη (megalōsynē, meg-al-oh-SOO-nay) – greatness, majesty; emphasizes the grandeur and exalted status associated with glory rather than its visible manifestation. Often used specifically of divine majesty. See G3172
• καύχημα (kauchēma, KOW-kay-ma) – boasting, reason for boasting; represents a human response to glory rather than glory itself. While δόξα is typically something possessed by God and shared with humans, καύχημα is human-oriented. See G2745
• φῶς (phōs, foce) – light; closely related to δόξα in passages describing divine manifestations, but refers specifically to the element of light rather than the comprehensive concept of glory. Often used metaphorically for truth and holiness. See G5457

Did You Know?

• The famous “Shekinah glory” so often referenced in Christian teachings doesn’t actually appear as a phrase in the Hebrew Bible—it’s a rabbinic term developed during the intertestamental period to describe the dwelling presence of God. However, the concept perfectly captures the visual manifestation of the divine δόξα as understood in both testaments, showing how this Greek word brilliantly conveyed the Hebrew theological concept to Greek-speaking audiences.
• When Paul writes that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” in Romans 3:23, he’s making a profound statement about human nature. The verb “fall short” (ὑστεροῦνται) is in the present tense, suggesting an ongoing condition. This implies that the glory of God was humanity’s original intended state—we were created to reflect and participate in divine δόξα. Sin isn’t just breaking rules; it’s failing to be what we were designed to be: vessels of God’s splendor.
• The transformation “from glory to glory” mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:18 contains a fascinating linguistic construction in Greek. The phrase “from glory to glory” (ἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν) uses the prepositions “from” (ἀπὸ) and “into” (εἰς) to create a sense of movement and progression. This indicates that the believer’s transformation is not a single event but an ongoing process—each revelation of glory leads to an even greater experience of glory, suggesting an eternal progression of ever-increasing wonder and transformation in the presence of God.

Remember This

δόξα reveals the magnificent tension at the heart of biblical revelation: the unapproachable brilliance of God has made itself approachable in the Messiah Jesus so that we might not only witness divine glory but be transformed by it and ultimately share in it.