הוֹד (hod)
hod
splendor
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun hod describes a striking, imposing appearance that commands attention. It refers to majesty, splendor, or physical vigor, often highlighting the visible glory of a person or thing. In the Psalms and Chronicles, it frequently appears alongside words for honor and beauty to describe the radiant presence of God (Psalm 96:6) or the regal dignity of kings (1 Chronicles 29:25).
Its usage extends beyond abstract glory to tangible freshness and strength. In Job, it describes the lively vigor of a warhorse’s spirit (Job 39:20), while in Daniel, it denotes physical health and complexion, as when the prophet’s radiant appearance fades into pallor upon seeing a vision (Daniel 10:8). This concrete sense of vitality distinguishes it from terms focusing solely on moral or spiritual worth.
Though derived from an unused root, its meaning is clear in context. It captures the external manifestation of inner power and dignity. Translators render it variously as glory, majesty, beauty, or vigor, depending on whether the subject is divine, royal, or physical. The word consistently points to a visible excellence that reflects status and strength.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hod describes a striking appearance that commands attention. It is not just an abstract idea but a visible excellence reflecting status and strength. When you read about God’s majesty, this term reminds you that His glory is real and tangible. It fills the sanctuary with beauty and power, showing that He is worthy of awe.
This concept also applies to human dignity and vitality. In ancient texts, it described the regal presence of kings like Solomon or the lively vigor of a warhorse. For your faith, this means that honor comes from God alone. Whether in royal courts or daily life, true splendor reflects His character rather than our own efforts.
Understanding hod helps you see how Scripture connects physical vitality with spiritual reverence. It invites you to recognize the radiant presence of God in creation and history. This awareness can deepen your worship as you reflect on the weighty glory that surrounds Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- splendor/ his3×
- splendor3×
- majesty2×
- [the] majesty of2×
- vigor/ your1×
- splendor/ your1×
- some of/ majesty/ your1×
- majesty/ his1×
- majesty of1×
- and/ vigor/ my1×
- and/ the/ majesty1×
- and/ glory1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ה֣וֹד3×
- הוֹדֶ֑/ךָ2×
- הוֹד\־2×
- מֵ/הֽוֹדְ/ךָ֖1×
- וְ/הוֹדִ֗/י1×
- וְ/הַ/ה֔וֹד1×
- וְ/ה֖וֹד1×
- הוֹד֖/וֹ1×
- הוֹד֔/וֹ1×
- הֽוֹד\׃1×
- הֹדֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- ה֭וֹד1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 29:11
Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty! For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, Yahweh, and you are exalted as head above all.
This verse lists hod alongside greatness and power, showing it is a core attribute of God’s sovereign rule over all things.
-
Psalms 104:1
Bless Yahweh, my soul. Yahweh, my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty.
Here the psalmist declares that God Himself is clothed in hod, emphasizing His personal majesty as the Creator.
-
I Chronicles 29:25
Yahweh magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and gave to him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.
The text uses this word to describe the unique royal dignity God gave Solomon, setting him apart from previous kings.
-
Psalms 96:6
Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
It pairs with beauty in the sanctuary, linking the visible splendor of worship with the presence of God.