In the Bible, the word glory is used over 600 times

When I became a born-again Christian, I became a new person. And with this new life, I had to learn a different vocabulary. Words I thought I understood took on new meaning. One of those words was the term “glory.”

The word “glory” is used over 600 times in the Bible. It’s a difficult word to translate from the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek because it has so many meanings. It can indicate worth and value, but it also refers to God’s greatness. It describes how Christians can be changed and it’s also a synonym for heaven. It can be used as an adjective that gives honor, dignity, and majesty to God but it can also be used as a verb as well.

Some ways in which I’ve seen the word glory used in the Bible include, “In all His glory”, “Show me Your glory”, “From glory to glory”, “Comes in His glory” and “Give glory to God.”

In all His glory

Jesus used this term in Matthew 6:29 (NASB)

yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.

In this manner, the word glory is used to express the worth and value of something in terms of importance and power. It is a good opinion or judgement of someone’s character or reputation.

Show me Your glory

Moses asked to see God’s glory in Exodus 33:18 (NIV)

Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

Moses wanted to know God more and be in His presence. In this sense, God’s glory refers to His greatness and spendour. It’s the external manifestation of His being and may be seen or experienced in a tangible way.

From glory to glory

In 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB), Paul wrote to the church in Corinth

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

We were created in the image of God and as Christians, we reflect Christ’s glory, just as Jesus reflected the glory of his Father in heaven. We will become more and more like Jesus as we are changed by the Spirit over time.

Comes in His glory

Jesus shared about His return at the end of days in Matthew 25:31 (NIV)

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.

Glory has been used as a synonym for heaven. Heaven is the place where God’s presence is — a place of splendor and beatific joy.

Give glory to God

Joshua advises the man who stole the spoils at Jericho in Joshua 7:19 (NASB)

Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I implore you, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.”

In this context, glory is used as a verb. Confessing your sins or boasting about Jesus are things you can do to give worshipful praise and honour God. In doing so, you give glory to God.

There are other phrases that I’ve heard that are similar to the ones above that aren’t necessarily in the Bible such as “She’s in her glory” “Glory days”, “No guts no glory” and so on.

With my new life as a born-again Christian, I continue to enjoy learning new words and delving into their actual meaning. It’s glorious!

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