Glory

Glory (Hebrew kābôd, Greek doxa) is one of the richest theological terms in Scripture, carrying several distinct but related meanings. In its basic sense it refers to weight, abundance, or wealth, and hence to the honor and reputation that accompanies them (Gen. 31:1; Ps. 49:12). Most significantly, the "glory of God" (kābôd YHWH) denotes the visible manifestation of the divine presence — the luminous cloud that filled the tabernacle and temple (Ex. 40:34–35; 1 Kings 8:11), appearing at Sinai, guiding Israel in the wilderness, and filling Ezekiel's vision of the divine chariot. In the New Testament the divine glory is revealed in Jesus Christ: John declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory" (John 1:14). The eschatological hope of believers is to be conformed to the glory of Christ (Rom. 8:18; Col. 3:4) and to dwell in the glory of the new Jerusalem where God himself is the light (Rev. 21:23).