The Metaphysics of Glory: The Revelation of God’s Glory in Scripture and Church

 

The term “glory” is generally translated from the Hebrew word kabowd (pronounced kah-BOHD), which conveys the root idea of “heaviness,” and by extension, “weight” or “worthiness” (BibleHub – Heb. 3519). It is often used about humans to describe wealth, splendor, or reputation. For Israel, however, the true source of glory was not her armies but Yahweh Himself (Jeremiah 2:11).

The “glory of God” refers to the manifestation or revelation of God's being, nature, and presence to humanity, often accompanied by physical signs.

In the Old Testament

The glory of Yahweh accompanied HIS people during their exodus from Egypt and was visible in the cloud that led them through the wilderness (Exodus 16:7,10). This same cloud rested on Mount Sinai, where Moses witnessed God’s glory (Exodus 24:15–18). Although no one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20), a partial vision of HIS glory was granted (Exodus 34:5–8).

The glory of Yahweh filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–35) and was particularly evident during times of sacrifice (Leviticus 9:6,23). Later, it came to dwell in the Temple (1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chronicles 7:1–3).

In the Prophets, the concept of God’s glory is presented both physically, such as in Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 1:28), and more spiritually, as seen in Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 40:4–5; 60:1–3). Isaiah’s vision uniquely combines physical and spiritual aspects (Isaiah 6:1–4).

In the New Testament

The Greek word for glory is doxa, meaning honor, splendor, and majesty. In the New Testament, “glory” refers to the revelation of God's character and presence through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3).

The glory of God was revealed to the shepherds at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:9,14), and to HIS disciples during HIS earthly ministry (John 1:14). It was first revealed at HIS initial miracle (John 2:11) and later at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8). In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ "hour of glory" is understood as the moment of HIS sacrificial death (John 7:39; 12:23).

HIS resurrection and ascension are also seen as powerful manifestations of divine glory (Luke 24:26; Acts 3:13). Ultimately, God's glory will be fully revealed at the Second Coming (Mark 8:38; 13:26).

In the Church

The glory of God, revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, is still to be seen and reflected through the Church (2 Corinthians 4:3–6). This is the glory of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:7–11), which believers share now (1 Peter 4:14) and will share in fullness in the life to come (Romans 8:18), especially as they suffer with Christ.

The mission of the Church is to ensure that the world acknowledges God's glory—displayed in HIS works (Acts 4:21), in HIS followers (1 Corinthians 6:20), and most supremely in HIS Son, the Lord of Glory (Romans 16:27; cf. Romans 15:9).