δόξα (doxa)
doxa
glory
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 150 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun doxa, translated as "glory," originates from a root meaning "to think" or "to appear." In classical usage, it referred to an opinion or judgment, but in the New Testament it consistently carries a positive sense: high estimation, praise, and honor. This shift reflects its heavy adoption in the Greek Old Testament (LXX), where it translates Hebrew words like kavod, which denote weightiness and significance.
Its meaning expands beyond human reputation to describe visible splendor. The sources note its use for the brightness of heavenly bodies or the radiant light experienced by Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:11). Most importantly, it signifies the manifested presence of God, echoing the cloud that filled the Holy of Holies in the Temple. This divine radiance is not merely decorative but reveals God's essential nature.
The word bridges the gap between the visible and the invisible. It describes the glory Christ possessed before creation and the future state believers will enter (Romans 8:18). Translators often render it as "glory," though this English term can feel abstract; the Greek concept is more concrete, pointing to a weighty, luminous reality that demands worship, as seen in the heavenly hymns of Revelation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word doxa points to a radiant weightiness that reveals who God truly is. It is not just a feeling of admiration, but a visible splendor that breaks into our ordinary moments. When the angel announced Jesus’ birth, the shepherds saw this glory shining around them, turning fear into wonder. This same light now shines in the face of Christ, inviting us to look closer and find hope.
In your daily life, this concept reminds you that God’s presence is real and tangible. It is not hidden away but is offered freely through grace and truth. Even when circumstances feel heavy, the promise remains that we are drawn toward a future where this glory is fully realized. You can rest in the knowledge that the Creator of all light is near, offering peace rather than confusion.
This divine radiance bridges the gap between the seen and unseen worlds. It calls for worship not out of obligation, but because the reality of God’s nature demands it. As you navigate your season, remember that you are part of a story where light overcomes darkness. May you find comfort in knowing that this glory is yours to behold and share.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 150 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- glory113×
- [the] glory11×
- of glory8×
- glory.7×
- glory,5×
- with glory2×
- of [the] glory2×
- glory?2×
- glory!2×
- Glory2×
- of glory;1×
- of glory.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δόξαν54×
- δόξης41×
- δόξα35×
- δόξῃ13×
- δόξῃ.¶4×
- δόξης.3×
- δόξης·2×
- δόξης,2×
- δόξας2×
- δόξαν.¶2×
- δόξα,2×
- δόξῃ·1×
Key Verses
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Luke 2:9
Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
This verse shows the glory as a tangible, shining presence that initially terrifies but ultimately reveals God's intervention in human history.
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John 1:14
The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Here the term describes the visible manifestation of divine character in Jesus, linking his humanity directly to the Father’s grace and truth.
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Luke 24:26
Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?”
This occurrence connects suffering with glory, suggesting that the path to exaltation includes the reality of the cross.
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Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will give to everyone according to his deeds.
The word defines the context of final judgment, where Christ returns not in secrecy but with the full weight and honor of the Father.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does doxa mean in the New Testament?
How is doxa different from human reputation?
Where does the concept of glory appear most clearly?
Every Occurrence (150 verses across 23 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Matthew 6:13Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory…
Matthew 6:29yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.
Matthew 16:27For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will give to everyone according to…
Matthew 19:28Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…
Matthew 24:30and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will…
Matthew 25:31“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his…