Knowing God

What Does the Glory of God Mean?

Study how Scripture speaks of God’s glory in His goodness, holiness, creation, presence, saving work, and perfect revelation in Jesus Christ.

Read first

Key Scriptures (KJV)

Read each passage in its surrounding chapter as you study.

“And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.”
Exodus 33:18-19

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
Psalms 19:1

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31

Study the Word

What the passages teach

Each section separates the text’s direct teaching from explanation and personal response.

Part 1

God’s glory reveals His goodness and holy name

Exodus 33:18-23; Exodus 34:5-8; Isaiah 6:1-5

Scripture says

When Moses asks to see God’s glory, the LORD speaks of His goodness and proclaims His name. The next chapter proclaims His mercy, grace, patience, truth, forgiveness, and justice. Isaiah’s vision joins glory with God’s holiness.

Understanding

Glory is more than visible brightness. Scripture connects it with the public display of who God is—His incomparable character, presence, and worth.

Apply it

Do not separate desire for God’s presence from reverence for His holiness, gratitude for His mercy, and submission to His character.

Part 2

Creation displays God’s glory

Psalm 19:1-6; Psalm 8:1-4; Romans 1:19-20

Scripture says

The heavens declare God’s glory, and creation makes His eternal power and Godhead evident. Creation bears witness to its Maker but is not itself the Maker.

Understanding

Created beauty, order, scale, and power function like signs pointing beyond themselves to God’s greatness.

Apply it

Let wonder become worship. Thank the Creator rather than stopping at admiration of what He made.

Part 3

Jesus reveals God’s glory most clearly

John 1:14-18; John 2:11; John 11:4, 40; John 17:1-5; Hebrews 1:1-3

Scripture says

John says the incarnate Word’s glory was beheld, full of grace and truth. Jesus’ signs manifested His glory, and He speaks of glorifying the Father through the work given Him, including the cross.

Understanding

God’s glory is known in the face of Jesus Christ—not only in power that astonishes but in grace, truth, sacrificial love, resurrection, and the completion of the Father’s saving work.

Apply it

Look to Jesus rather than constructing glory from spectacle alone. Ask whether what you celebrate agrees with His truth, humility, holiness, and cross-shaped love.

Part 4

Human sin falls short; redeemed life should glorify God

Romans 3:23; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Scripture says

All have sinned and come short of God’s glory. Jesus commands good works that lead others to glorify the Father, and Paul commands believers to glorify God in body and ordinary choices.

Understanding

We do not add missing greatness to God. We glorify Him by truthfully displaying, confessing, and honoring the worth that is already His.

Apply it

Make worship practical: let speech, work, food, relationships, money, service, and use of the body point away from self-exaltation and toward God’s worth.

Reflect together

Discussion questions

What attributes are connected with God’s glory in Exodus 33–34?
How does Jesus correct ideas of glory based only on spectacle or status?
Where does creation most readily move me toward worship?
What ordinary choice could more truthfully display God’s worth this week?

Keep studying

Continue with a related study

Browse all studies

What Does It Mean to Be Made in the Image of God?

Connect the Creator’s glory with humanity’s dignity and calling.

Open study

A Verse-by-Verse Breakdown of the Lord’s Prayer

Study the prayer that ends by ascribing glory to the Father.

Open study

The Blood of Jesus

See God’s saving character revealed through Christ’s sacrifice.

Open study

Fellowship

Continue this study together

Share Scripture with grace and respect. Keep the conversation centered on the Bible and avoid personal attacks.

Anyone may read. Signing in is required to share.

Live

Live Fellowship

Live fellowship around this study. Encouragements appear as they are shared, and recent history is kept so you can catch up.

Join the live fellowship