Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Doxology”
The biblical word “Doxology” traces back to Greek (doxa (Greek)), where it meant “A hymn of praise to God; a proclamation of God's glory and majesty”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “A hymn or formula of praise, especially one attributed to the Trinity or sung at the end of liturgical services”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Greekdoxa (Greek)A hymn of praise to God; a proclamation of God's glory and majesty
Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, honor, or reputation. Doxologia (δοξολογία) combines doxa + logos (word/reason). Romans 11:36 contains a doxological statement.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatindoxologiaA formal liturgical formula praising the Trinity; hymns of praise at the conclusion of prayers or psalms
Latin doxologia from Greek. Gloria Patri (Glory Be) became the standard doxology in Western liturgy, sung after psalms and canticles since 4th century.
Modern English
EnglishdoxologyA hymn or formula of praise, especially one attributed to the Trinity or sung at the end of liturgical services
From Greek doxologia via Latin. Common in Protestant hymnody; 'Old Hundredth' doxology 'Praise God from whom all blessings flow' is nearly universal.