Doxology

Have you ever been in a church service and heard them refer to a song as a doxology? Doxology is based on the Greek word doxa, which means glory. It is an outward expression of praise to God. Doxology literally means glory words, according to Vines. In the New Testament, there are doxologies, or songs of Scripture, which are glory songs.

A doxology is glorifiying God in song. Thus, we express and declare the God of glory, while giving glory to God.

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. Luke 17:18 (KJV) emphasis mine

Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. John 9:24 (KJV) emphasis mine

Both of these verses use the word doxa. It is translated as glory or some translations render it as praise. It is also translated as honor in some places. When we praise God, we’re giving Him glory and we’re honoring Him. Here are a few more Scripture examples of doxologies.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)

To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:5 (KJV)

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (KJV)

Doxologies can be spoken, prayed, written, or sung. They can be in the form of a praise, a prophecy, a response, or a confession of God’s Word. Any expression that gives glory to God can be called a doxology.

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Romans 16:27 (KJV)

Paul closed the book of Romans with a doxology. These are written “glory words” inspired by God, about God, and Paul expressed them to God. In the same way, we can take Scripture and write, create, and sing our own glory words back to God. We can pray them over people. We can confess and decree them. We can prophesy glory words, which are words of praise to God which are then spoken by Him over His people, including us.

Throughout the New Testament, there are examples of doxologies we can read, study, and use in prayers and songs. They can be a source of inspiration for our worship to God, both public and private.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. I Timothy 1:17 (KJV)

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. II Timothy 4:18 (KJV)

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25 (KJV)

What beautiful expressions of praise and honor to the Lord!

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. II Thessalonians 2:14 (KJV)

Christ’s glory is all of who Christ is- His person, majesty, power, presence, character and attributes. As we take our doxologies and sing them to the Glorified One, He gets all glory, honor, and praise.