Doxa

Doxa essentially describes manifestations of supernatural splendor or divine glory. In the Greek translation of the ot (LXX), doxa is the usual translation for the Hebrew word kabod, whose primary meaning relates to weight (being heavy, weighty, or impressive). God’s presence was manifested by a visible, luminous phenomenon referred to as His doxa, which rested in particular in the tabernacle or temple (Exod 40:34–35; 1 Kgs 8:11; Hag 2:7 lxx).

In the nt, doxa can also refer to the visible splendor or brightness of God’s presence (e.g. Rev 15:8; 21:11). Writing to the Romans, Paul uses doxa to describe the direct presence of God and the communion with Him that was forfeited by humanity at the fall (Rom 3:23).

Jesus is also described as manifesting doxa (John 1:14), and consequently, He can be ascribed as doxa (Heb 13:21). Doxa can also refer to an evil supernatural being (2 Pet 2:10), describe the visible manifestation of a benevolent angel (Rev 18:1), or refer to the wonder and greatness of heaven (1 Tim 3:16). God can display His doxa through amazing acts of power such as raising Christ from the dead (Rom 6:4).

To give God doxa means to acknowledge His status and give proper reverence and worship to Him, recognizing that He is worthy of honor and majesty (Luke 2:13–14). God’s displeasure and wrath could be revealed when His status was not properly acknowledged. For example, in Acts 12:20–23, an angel of the Lord struck King Herod Agrippa, killing him because he did not give doxa to God when the crowds hailed him as a god.

Paul informs us that as Christians, a veil has been lifted so we, unlike unbelievers, are able to gaze upon or contemplate the doxa of the Lord (2 Cor 3:15–16). Our focus on the doxa of the Lord—His image or divine splendor—aids our transformation into that same glorious image (2 Cor 3:18). Paul also recounts that a Christian’s resurrected body is transformed into a body of doxa; this body is in contrast to the former body of weakness, which is susceptible to disease, sinfulness, and death (Phil 3:21).

David Seal