Greek Meaning of Glorify in John 17:1
Understanding "Glorify" in John 17:1
The term "glorify" in John 17:1 is derived from the Greek verb "doxazein" (
John 17:1 states, "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee" [1]. The concept of glorification here is deeply connected to the relationship between the Father and the Son, emphasizing a reciprocal glorification.
Literary Context
The verse is part of Jesus' high priestly prayer, where he reflects on his mission and relationship with the Father. The surrounding verses (John 17:1-5) highlight Jesus' request for glorification, which is tied to the completion of his earthly work and his pre-existent glory with the Father [1].
Historical Setting
The prayer is set in the context of Jesus' impending crucifixion and glorification through his death and resurrection. The historical setting is crucial as it underscores the significance of Jesus' glorification as a fulfillment of his mission and a demonstration of God's glory.
Key Terms
The term "glorify" (doxazein) is central to understanding the verse. "Doxa" refers to glory, which encompasses concepts of honor, praise, and splendor. In the context of John 17:1, glorification involves the manifestation of God's glory through Jesus Christ [2].
Major Exegetical Decisions
A significant exegetical decision revolves around understanding the nature of Jesus' glorification. According to Augustine, Jesus' glorification began with his resurrection and exaltation, marking the transition from his humble state as a servant to his glorious state as the exalted Lord [3].
Range of Interpretations
Interpretations of "glorify" in John 17:1 vary among traditions. Patristic interpretation, as seen in Augustine's homilies, emphasizes the reciprocal glorification between the Father and the Son, highlighting the theological depth of the relationship between them [6]. Protestant academic perspectives, such as those represented by Tyndale House, focus on the thematic connection between Jesus' glorification and the disciples' role in reflecting that glory [8].
Function in Tradition
The concept of glorification in John 17:1 has played a significant role in Christian theology, influencing understandings of Christ's nature and mission. It has been a point of discussion in various theological debates and has shaped liturgical and devotional practices.
The glorification of Christ is seen as a pivotal event that not only reflects God's glory but also enables believers to participate in that glory. As Augustine notes, the glorification of the Son by the Father and vice versa underscores the mutual honor and praise within the Godhead [7].
Sources
- John “John 17:5 (LITV) — And now Father, glorify Me with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the existence of the world.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Glory — (Heb. kabhod; Gr. doxa). (1.) Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour (Ps. 49:12); glory (Gen. 31:1; Matt. 4:8; Rev. 21:24, 26). (2.) Honour, dignity (1 Kings 3:13; Heb. 2:7 1 Pet. 1:24); of God (Ps. 19:1; 29:1); of the mind or heart (Gen. 49:6; Ps. 7:5; Acts 2:46). (3.) Splendour, brightness, majesty (Gen. 45:13; Isa. 4:5; Acts 22:11; 2 Cor. 3:7); of Jehovah (Isa. 59:19; 60:1; 2 Thess. 1:9). (4.) The glorious moral attributes, the infinite perfections of God (Isa. 40:5; Acts 7:2; Rom. 1:23; 9:23; Eph. 1:12). Jesus is the "brightness of the Father's glo”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — CHAPTER XVII. 1. (part 4): Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father." This is the glorification of our Lord Jesus Christ, that took its commencement from His resurrection. His humility accordingly begins in the apostle's discourse with the passage where he says, "He emptied Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant;" and reaches "even to the death of the cross." But His glory begins with the clause where he says, "Wherefore God also hath exalted Him;" and reaches on to the words, "is in the glory of God the Father."(2) For even the ”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 12:27: Father, glorify thy name,.... The perfections of his nature, particularly his justice and holiness, meaning in himself; by his sufferings and death; intimating hereby, that his Father's glory was what he had in view, and that the securing of that would give him an infinite pleasure amidst all his sorrows. The Arabic version, and Nonnus, read "glorify thy Son", as in Joh 17:1, and the Ethiopic version takes in both, "glorify thy name, and thy Son": and indeed, what glorifies the one, glorifies the other; see Joh 13:31. Then came there a voice from heaven; as at his ba”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — CHAPTER XV. 8-10. (part 1): 1. The Saviour, in thus speaking to the disciples, commends still more and more the grace whereby we are saved, when He says, "Herein is my Father glorified,(1) that ye bear very much fruit, and be made my disciples." Whether we say glorified, or made bright, both are the rendering given us of one Greek verb, namely doxazein (<greek>doxazein</greek>). For what is doxa (<greek>doxa</greek>) in Greek, is in Latin glory. I have thought it worth while to mention this, because the apostle says, "If Abraham was justified by work”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — CHAPTER XVII. 1-5. (part 1): 1. THAT the Son was glorified by the Father in His form of a servant, which the Father raised from the dead and set at His own right hand, is indicated by the event itself, and is nowhere doubted by the Christian. But as He not only said, "Father, glorify Thy Son," but likewise added, "that Thy Son may glorify Thee," it is worthy of inquiry how it was that the Son glorified the Father, seeing that the eternal glory of the Father neither suffered diminution in any human form, nor could be increased in respect of its own di”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — CHAPTER XVII. 1-5. (part 3): Glory is the widely-spread fame of any one accompanied with praise. But if a man is praised when the fame regarding him is believed, how will God be praised when He Himself shall be seen? Hence it is said in Scripture, "Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house; they will be praising Thee for ever and ever."(5) There will God's praise continue without end, where there shall be the full knowledge of God; and because the full knowledge, therefore also the complete effulgence or glorification. 4. But God is first of all glori”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 17:10: 17:10 Just as the Son brings glory to the Father (17:1, 4-5), the disciples bring the Son glory (17:22). The love and obedience that brought glory to God in Jesus’ life become features of his disciples’ lives.”