Brief Overview of δοξάζω (G1392: doxázō)

• δοξάζω (doxázō) [dok-SAH-zo]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek noun δόξα (dóxa), which means “glory” or “honor,” and the verb suffix -ζω (-zō), indicating an action, δοξάζω (doxázō) literally means “to glorify” or “to give glory.”
• Part of Speech: Verb.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

Save with code – FOG20

• To Glorify: The primary meaning of δοξάζω (doxázō) is “to glorify,” specifically in the sense of attributing or recognizing glory, honor, or praise. This often pertains to giving glory to God or Christ.
• To Honor: Another common usage of δοξάζω (doxázō) is “to honor,” where the action involves acknowledging the value, status, or worth of an individual or entity.
• To Magnify or Exalt: The verb is also used to mean “to magnify” or “to exalt,” often in a context of elevating someone’s status or reputation through praise.
• To Make Glorious: In certain contexts, δοξάζω (doxázō) means “to make glorious,” indicating an act that results in someone or something being perceived as glorious or exalted.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Composition: The word δοξάζω (doxázō) combines δόξα (dóxa), meaning “glory,” with the verb-forming suffix -ζω (-zō). The -ζω (-zō) suffix is common in Greek verbs and generally indicates an action or process, hence δοξάζω (doxázō) literally translates to “to give or ascribe glory.”
• Contextual Usage: δοξάζω (doxázō) is often used in the context of worship or recognition of divine majesty. It can also describe human actions that reflect or enhance the glory of God.
• Semantic Range: The verb can range from acts of worship, where God is glorified through praise and honor, to broader applications where any person or thing is exalted or honored.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: In BDAG, δοξάζω (doxázō) is defined primarily as “to influence one’s opinion about another so as to enhance the latter’s reputation,” usually in a positive sense, which is commonly translated as “to glorify” or “to honor.”
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes δοξάζω (doxázō) as “to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate.” It is used especially in the New Testament to describe acts of worship and recognition of God’s greatness.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ provides a broader classical context, showing that δοξάζω (doxázō) was used in Greek literature to mean “to think or suppose,” but evolved to signify “to honor” or “to glorify.”
• Scripture References:
• John 17:1: “Father, the hour has come; glorify (δοξάζω) Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.”
• Romans 8:30: “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified (δοξάζω).”
• 1 Peter 4:16: “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify (δοξάζω) God in this matter.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

• Homer, Odyssey: In Homer’s Odyssey, the concept behind δοξάζω (doxázō) can be seen in the glorification of gods and heroes, though the exact verb form is less common, the notion of giving honor and glory is prevalent.
• Plato, Republic: Plato uses a related concept when discussing the glorification of justice and truth in the ideal state, showing that honor and reputation are crucial in societal contexts.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle explores the idea of honoring the virtuous man, a concept linked to δοξάζω (doxázō), where glorification is given to those who embody ethical excellence.

Summary of δόξα (G1392: doxázō)

The Greek verb δοξάζω (doxázō), transliterated as doxázō and pronounced [dok-SAH-zo], is a rich and versatile term primarily meaning “to glorify” or “to honor.” Originating from the noun dóxa (glory) and the verb-forming suffix -zō, doxázō is used extensively in both the New Testament and classical literature to denote the act of ascribing glory, particularly in the context of worship and divine recognition. The term also carries connotations of magnifying, exalting, and making something or someone glorious. Scripturally, doxázō is significant in passages that discuss the glorification of God and Christ, as well as the honor bestowed upon believers. In classical contexts, the verb reflects the broader Greek cultural emphasis on honor and reputation, extending its meaning from human opinion to divine majesty. Through its usage, doxázō encapsulates the act of elevating and recognizing glory, whether divine or human.