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All KJV Words

Archaic KJV Word

Glorify

Modern equivalent: praise highly

What Was Lost

The making-visible. Jesus glorified the Father by making the Father's character visible through His actions. 'Glorify thy Son' was 'reveal who I truly am.' Glorification was not flattery but unveiling -- removing the covering so the real weight, magnificence, and character could be seen. To glorify God was to live so that His true nature became visible through you.

Closest Survivor in Modern English

glorify (still used in worship but heard as 'say nice things about God' rather than 'reveal God's true nature')

Peak Usage (1611)

KJV John 17:1 -- 'Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee'

Died still used but emptied (~1900)

Greek doxazo ('to reveal the true weight and character of/make the hidden nature visible/cause the real glory to shine forth') emptied into 'praise highly' or 'make look good.' The revelation dimension was replaced by flattery.

What Replaced It

praise

Human speech act; glorifying was making the hidden true nature visible and weighty

honor

Social respect; glorifying was the unveiling of actual, objective magnificence

make famous

Reputation management; glorifying God was making His true character visible, not promoting His brand

Related KJV Words