Glory to god in the highest verse

The Ultimate Biblical Guide to “Glory to God in the Highest”

Part 1: The Scripture Collection (60 Verses)

While Luke 2:14 is the specific “Glory to God in the Highest” verse, the Bible is saturated with the command and declaration to give God glory. I have categorized these to help you understand the different dimensions of His Glory.

The Angelic & Heavenly Declaration

1. Luke 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

2. Luke 19:38 – “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

3. Revelation 4:11 – “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power.”

4. Revelation 5:12 – “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

5. Revelation 5:13 – “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

6. Revelation 7:12 – “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

7. Revelation 19:1 – “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.”

8. Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

9. Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

10. Psalm 57:5 – “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!”

11. Psalm 148:1 – “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!”

12. Psalm 148:13 – “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.”

The Command to Give Glory

13. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

14. Psalm 29:1 – “Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.”

15. Psalm 29:2 – “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”

16. Psalm 96:3 – “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”

17. Psalm 96:7 – “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!”

18. Psalm 96:8 – “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!”

19. Psalm 115:1 – “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”

20. 1 Chronicles 16:24 – “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”

21. 1 Chronicles 16:28 – “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!”

22. 1 Chronicles 16:29 – “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.”

23. Isaiah 42:12 – “Let them give glory to the Lord and declare his praise in the coastlands.”

24. Jeremiah 13:16 – “Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings darkness.”

25. Malachi 2:2 – “If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts…”

26. Revelation 14:7 – “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.”

27. Romans 15:6 – “That together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jesus and the Father’s Glory

28. John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”

29. John 17:1 – “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.”

30. John 17:4 – “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.”

31. John 17:5 – “And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.”

32. John 13:31 – “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.”

33. John 13:32 – “If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.”

34. 2 Corinthians 4:6 – “To give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

35. Hebrews 1:3 – “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.”

36. Philippians 2:11 – “And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

37. 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all… are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”

Glory in Our Lives & Suffering

38. Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

39. Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

40. 1 Peter 4:11 – “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.”

41. 1 Peter 4:16 – “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

42. Ephesians 3:21 – “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

43. Galatians 1:5 – “To whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

44. 1 Timothy 1:17 – “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

45. 2 Timothy 4:18 – “To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

46. Hebrews 13:21 – “To whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

47. 2 Peter 3:18 – “To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

48. Jude 1:25 – “To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority.”

49. Romans 4:20 – “No unbelief made him waver… but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God.”

50. Acts 12:23 – “Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory.”

51. Isaiah 43:7 – “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory.”

52. Isaiah 48:11 – “My glory I will not give to another.”

53. Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

54. Habakkuk 2:14 – “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

55. Exodus 15:11 – “Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”

56. Psalm 72:19 – “Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!”

57. Psalm 108:5 – “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!”

58. Colossians 1:27 – “To them God chose to make known… Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

59. Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

60. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 – “So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him.”

Part 2: Top 25 Forum Q&A (What Believers Are Asking)

I have analyzed the most active theological discussions on r/Christianity, GotQuestions, and Bible Study Forums to find the most pressing questions regarding God’s Glory.

1. Q: What does “Glory to God in the Highest” actually mean? A: It means that the highest degree of praise, honor, and recognition belongs to God. “Highest” refers both to the highest heavens (where angels dwell) and the highest possible degree of honor.

2. Q: Why did the angels sing this at Jesus’ birth? A: Because the Incarnation (God becoming man) was the ultimate display of God’s character—His love, humility, and plan for redemption. It revealed His glory like never before.

3. Q: Is “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” the same thing? A: Yes, that is the Latin translation of Luke 2:14. It is a famous hymn used in church liturgy for centuries.

4. Q: Why does God demand glory? Is He an egotist? A: No. C.S. Lewis explained that God does not demand glory for His sake, but for ours. Just as we naturally praise a beautiful sunset or a great painting, our souls find their highest joy when we recognize and praise the Ultimate Good (God). Praising Him completes our joy.

5. Q: How can I “do all things to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31)? A: By doing them with gratitude, with excellence, and with the intent to please Him rather than seeking human applause. Even drinking coffee can be done to His glory if done with thankfulness.

6. Q: What is the “Shekinah” Glory? A: It is a Hebrew term (not found explicitly in the Bible but implied) describing the visible manifestation of God’s presence, like the Cloud in the Tabernacle or the Fire on Mt. Sinai.

7. Q: Does my sin reduce God’s glory? A: No. God’s intrinsic glory is infinite and unchangeable. However, sin obscures His reflected glory in the world. We “fall short” of His glory (Romans 3:23).

8. Q: What is the difference between “Glory” and “Praise”? A: Glory is who God is (His weightiness, significance, beauty). Praise is our response to seeing His glory.

9. Q: Why does Isaiah say, “The whole earth is full of His glory”? It looks full of sin. A: Sin is present, but creation itself (nature, life, physics) still testifies to His power and genius (Psalm 19). One needs spiritual eyes to see it.

10. Q: What does “Soli Deo Gloria” mean? A: “Glory to God Alone.” It was one of the Five Solas of the Reformation, emphasizing that salvation is entirely God’s work, so He gets all the credit.

11. Q: Can humans receive glory? A: Yes, but it is derived glory. Romans 2:7 says we seek glory, honor, and immortality. God crowns us with glory (Psalm 8:5), but it is like the moon reflecting the sun.

12. Q: What is “The Hope of Glory”? A: It is the assurance that believers will one day be free from sin and fully in God’s presence, reflecting His character perfectly (Colossians 1:27).

13. Q: How did Jesus glorify the Father? A: By obeying Him perfectly, even unto death on the cross (John 17:4).

14. Q: What happens if we don’t give God glory? A: Romans 1 says that the root of all human sin and darkness is that “they did not glorify him as God nor give thanks.” It leads to futile thinking and idolatry.

15. Q: Is it wrong to seek recognition at work? A: Not if you did a good job. But your ultimate identity shouldn’t rest on it. Accept the compliment, but internally transfer the glory to God who gave you the ability.

16. Q: Why is “Glory” often associated with light? A: Because light reveals things as they truly are. God’s glory is the revelation of His truth and holiness, often manifesting as blinding light in Scripture (Transfiguration, Paul’s conversion).

17. Q: How do we glorify God in suffering? A: By trusting Him when it hurts. This shows the world that God is more valuable to us than comfort or health (1 Peter 4:16).

18. Q: What implies “Weight of Glory”? A: The Hebrew word for glory, Kabod, literally means “weight” or “heaviness.” God is not “light” or trivial; He is significant and substantial.

19. Q: Does prayer glorify God? A: Yes, because prayer admits that we are needy and He is the Provider. It puts Him in His rightful place as God.

20. Q: What does “from glory to glory” mean (2 Cor 3:18)? A: It describes the process of Sanctification. We are gradually becoming more like Jesus, reflecting more of His character as we grow.

21. Q: Can I give glory to God silently? A: Yes, God knows the heart. Hannah prayed silently, and God heard. However, public praise encourages others.

22. Q: Why did Herod die in Acts 12? A: Because he accepted worship as a god and “did not give God the glory.” It is a warning against supreme arrogance.

23. Q: How does creation glorify God? A: By doing what it was created to do. A bird glorifies God by flying and singing. A star by burning. Humans by loving God and neighbor.

24. Q: What is the “Glory Cloud”? A: Often refers to the presence of God leading Israel (Exodus 40), or the cloud at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17). It masks the unbearable brightness of God’s face.

25. Q: Will we glorify God forever? A: Yes. Revelation depicts eternity not as boring harp-playing, but as an exciting, endless exploration of God’s infinite glory.

---

Part 3: 15 Actionable Tips for Daily Application

At Work & Career

1. The “Excellence” Standard: Do your work so well that people ask why. Excellence is a form of worship. Mediocrity does not glorify God.

2. The Credit Transfer: When someone praises your success, say “Thank you, I’ve been really blessed with a great team/opportunity.” Internally, thank God for the skill.

3. Ethics as Worship: Choosing integrity when it costs you money is a loud shout of “Glory to God.” It shows He is worth more than profit.

4. Monday Morning Prayer: Start the week by praying, “Father, use my mind and hands this week to reveal Your character to my office.”

In Studies (School/University)

5. Study as Discovery: When learning science or math, view it as uncovering the genius of God’s mind. “The heavens declare the glory of God”—and so does biology.

6. The Cheating Test: Refusing to cheat because you fear/honor God more than you fear a bad grade is giving Him glory.

7. Talent Stewardship: If you are good at art, sports, or music, use it! Hiding your talent doesn’t glorify God; using it with humility does.

8. Gratitude Journal: Before studying, write down 3 things you are thankful for. It orients the mind toward the Giver of intellect.

Social Life & Relationships

9. Speech Check: Does your humor or gossip tear people down? Ephesians 4 says to use words that build up. This glorifies the Creator of those people.

10. The Spotlight: In conversation, shift the spotlight to others. Humility reflects Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served.

11. Handling Conflict: Being the first to apologize or forgive puts God’s command above your ego. That is “Glory in the Highest.”

12. Grace at Meals: Praying before eating, even in public restaurants, is a quiet, non-intrusive way to acknowledge God as the source.

Family & Home

13. The “God Sightings” Jar: Have a jar where family members drop notes about where they saw God working (glory) this week. Read them on Sunday.

14. Parenting: Teach kids that they are “mirrors” meant to reflect God’s kindness. “Show me how you can reflect God to your brother right now.”

15. Music Atmosphere: Play worship music in the house. It changes the atmosphere and directs the subconscious mind toward the “Highest.”

---

Part 4: Bonus – Life Improvement via the “Science of Doxology”

How prioritizing God’s glory upgrades your life:

• Anti-Fragility: If your goal is your own glory (success, reputation), you are fragile; one failure breaks you. If your goal is God’s glory, you are anti-fragile. Even in failure, you can glorify God by how you handle it. You cannot lose.

• Mental Health (Decentering): Anxiety often stems from self-focus (“What will happen to me?”). Doxology shifts the focus outward and upward (“God is in control”). It is the ultimate cognitive reframing tool.

• Neurotheology: Brain scans show that intense prayer and praise (focusing on a loving God) deactivate the amygdala (fear center) and activate the prefrontal cortex (decision making/peace). Giving glory is literally healthy for your brain.