δοξάζω (doxazō)
doxazō
to glorify
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 54 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb doxazō means to make glorious or to show honor, carrying the sense of displaying worth so that it becomes visible to others. In the New Testament, it is not merely an internal feeling but an active declaration of value. This is seen when people witness miracles and respond by praising God, as in Mark 2:12, where the crowd glorifies God after seeing a paralytic healed.
Its root connects to doxa, which can mean both "opinion" and "splendor." In secular Greek, it often referred to what people thought or assumed. However, Scripture repurposes this word to describe divine radiance. The sources highlight its heavy use in John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks of being glorified through his death and resurrection (John 12:23; 13:31-32). Here, the act of suffering itself becomes the moment of highest honor.
A key distinction lies in who receives the glory. While humans are called to glorify God by their actions (Romans 15:6), Jesus is also described as receiving glory from the Father (John 17:1). This dual usage underscores a theological point: true glory is not self-promotion but the manifestation of divine character through obedience and love.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word doxazō invites us to see that true honor is not about self-promotion but about making something valuable visible to others. When we live with integrity and kindness, our actions become a mirror reflecting God’s character. This is not a performance for applause; it is a natural overflow of a heart aligned with Him. As Jesus taught, letting your light shine allows others to see the good in your works and turn their eyes toward the Father.
In the Christian life, this concept shifts our focus from seeking recognition to serving with humility. We are called to glorify God through obedience and love, just as Christ revealed the Father’s glory through His sacrifice. This perspective frees us from the pressure of human approval. Instead, we find peace in knowing that our faithful steps contribute to a greater story of divine love and redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 54 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- may be glorified5×
- they were glorifying4×
- glorifying4×
- glorified4×
- do glorify4×
- will glorify3×
- has been glorified3×
- were glorifying2×
- to glorify2×
- they may glorify2×
- is glorified2×
- you may glorify1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐδόξαζον6×
- ἐδοξάσθη5×
- ἐδόξασαν4×
- δοξάσει4×
- δοξάζων4×
- ἐδόξασεν3×
- δόξασόν3×
- δοξασθῇ3×
- ἐδόξασα2×
- ἐδόξαζεν2×
- δοξάσωσιν2×
- δοξάζοντες2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
This verse defines the practical outcome of Christian conduct: good works serve as evidence that leads observers to honor God rather than the individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does doxazō mean in the New Testament?
How is this different from seeking praise?
Who is the main subject of this verb in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (54 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 6:2Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues…
Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Matthew 15:31so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind…