Introduction

Understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is essential for gaining a deeper insight into the biblical text and its meaning. One such word is ἐνδοξάζομαι (endoxázomai), a term that plays a crucial role in understanding the concepts of glory, honor, and reputation within both a biblical and an ancient Greek cultural context. This word is especially significant in the New Testament, where it is often used in the context of divine glory and the honor bestowed upon Jesus Christ and His followers. Understanding ἐνδοξάζομαι helps readers grasp the profound theological implications of glorification in the Christian faith and its roots in ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐνδοξάζομαι (endoxázomai) [en-dox-AH-zoh-my]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐν (en), meaning “in” or “within,” and δόξα (dóxa), meaning “glory” or “honor.” Together, it conveys the idea of being glorified, honored, or esteemed.
• Part of Speech: Verb (middle/passive voice)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Be Glorified: ἐνδοξάζομαι primarily means “to be glorified,” reflecting the act of being honored or esteemed, often in a divine or spiritual context.
• To Gain Honor: It can also mean “to gain honor” or “to be held in honor,” emphasizing the recognition and reverence bestowed upon a person or entity.
• To Be Made Glorious: In some contexts, it refers to the process of being made glorious, particularly in a spiritual or eschatological sense, as seen in references to the glorification of believers.

Similar Words:

• δοξάζω (doxázō) [dox-AH-zoh]: This verb is closely related to ἐνδοξάζομαι, meaning “to glorify” or “to honor.” The difference lies in the voice and aspect; while δοξάζω is more active, ἐνδοξάζομαι often has a more passive or middle voice connotation, emphasizing the state of being glorified.
• τιμάω (timáō) [tee-MAH-oh]: Meaning “to honor” or “to value,” this word is more focused on the concept of honor or value, which can be conferred upon someone, but it lacks the divine or eschatological implications often associated with ἐνδοξάζομαι.
• κλείω (kleíō) [KLAY-oh]: Although not directly synonymous, κλείω can mean “to be renowned” or “to be famous,” which has overlapping connotations with ἐνδοξάζομαι in terms of reputation and recognition.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a verb in the middle/passive voice, ἐνδοξάζομαι emphasizes the action of being glorified or honored. In the passive voice, it suggests that the subject is the recipient of glory or honor, often from God or a higher authority.
• Linguistic Features: The prefix ἐν (en) combined with δόξα (dóxa) emphasizes an internal state of glory or honor, making the term particularly rich in theological contexts where inner transformation or divine approval is in view.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐνδοξάζομαι as “to be glorified,” especially in a divine context, where the term reflects the glorification of Christ and believers in the eschatological future.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the usage of ἐνδοξάζομαι in the New Testament, particularly in relation to Christ’s glorification and the honor that will be bestowed upon believers in the afterlife.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon discusses the term primarily in the context of honor and esteem, noting its application in both secular and religious texts to denote someone who is highly regarded or venerated.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐνδοξάζομαι is used to describe the glorification of Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and the future glorification of believers who are united with Him.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s concordance describes ἐνδοξάζομαι as “to be glorified” or “to gain honor,” noting its frequent usage in passages that discuss the glorification of Christ and the saints.

Scripture References

• Luke 13:17 – “And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him (ἐνδοξάζομαι).”
• John 12:23 – “And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified (ἐνδοξάζομαι).”
• 2 Thessalonians 1:10 – “When he shall come to be glorified (ἐνδοξάζομαι) in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνδοξάζομαι (G1740: endoxázomai)

The Greek word ἐνδοξάζομαι (endoxázomai) holds significant importance in both biblical and classical Greek contexts, primarily conveying the idea of being glorified, honored, or esteemed. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the glorification of Christ and the honor that will be bestowed upon believers. The word’s roots in ancient Greek culture highlight its association with both divine and human honor, making it a rich term for theological reflection and understanding. Its usage in scripture underscores the transformative power of divine glory and the promise of future glorification for those in Christ.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the concept of ἐνδοξάζομαι was not only reserved for the gods but also applied to heroes, philosophers, and leaders who were honored for their virtues and accomplishments. This cultural background enriches our understanding of the term’s application in the New Testament, where Jesus’ glorification is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of divine honor.