Shekinah Glory Defined and Explained (Term)

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Shekinah Glory: Meaning and Biblical Foundations

Shekinah Glory: Meaning and Biblical Foundations #

The term “Shekinah Glory” does not appear in the Bible, yet it remains a recognized theological concept drawn from Jewish tradition and used in Evangelical theology to describe the visible presence of God dwelling among His people. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary, the root idea is the divine habitation of God among men. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible explains that the Shekinah conveys the splendor of God’s abiding glory seen in both Old and New Testament revelation.

Etymology and Meaning of Shekinah Glory in the Bible #

The word “Shekinah” derives from the Hebrew root shakan, meaning “to dwell” or “to settle.” Easton’s Bible Dictionary notes its relation to mishkan, “tabernacle” or “dwelling place.”
Though absent from the Hebrew text, rabbinic writers in the Targums used the term to describe God’s indwelling presence in the Temple and among His people.

Key Takeaway: The Shekinah expresses God’s will to dwell personally with His covenant people.

Biblical Foundations #

The concept of the Shekinah Glory appears through many manifestations of God’s presence throughout Scripture.

Old Testament Manifestations #

Exodus 24:16-17: The glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai; fire and cloud signified His holiness.
Exodus 40:34-35: The cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle, representing His dwelling among Israel.
1 Kings 8:10-11: When Solomon dedicated the Temple, the cloud filled the house of the Lord so that the priests could not stand to minister.

Key Takeaway: Fire, light, and cloud symbolized God’s nearness and holiness in Israel’s worship.

New Testament Parallels #

John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Greek eskenosen (to dwell in a tent) mirrors the Hebrew idea of God’s tabernacling presence.
Hebrews 1:3: Christ is the “radiance of the glory of God,” revealing that divine presence in human form.
Matthew 17:1-8: At the Transfiguration, Christ’s face shone like the sun, showing the glory once seen in the cloud of Sinai.

Key Takeaway: In Jesus Christ, the Shekinah Glory took human form and dwelt among men.

Theological Significance #

The Shekinah reveals God’s continuing desire to be present with His people through covenant relationship and worship.
Ezekiel 10-11 records the departure of the glory from the Temple because of sin; Ezekiel 43 foretells its return, pointing toward restoration through the Messiah.
The Oxford Bible Commentary observes that this motif reaches fulfillment in the indwelling Holy Spirit within believers and in the eternal presence of God in Revelation 21.

Key Takeaway: The Shekinah theme culminates in Christ and the Spirit who dwell within the Church today.

Summary in Evangelical Theology #

Within Evangelical thought, Shekinah Glory communicates the manifest presence of God during worship, revival, and spiritual renewal. Willmington’s Guide to the Bible associates it with divine revelation, covenant faithfulness, and the expectation of eternal glory.

Manifest Presence: God personally reveals Himself among His people.
Visible Holiness: Light and fire express His purity and majesty.
Eternal Hope: The New Jerusalem will shine with the glory of God, needing no other light (Revelation 21:23).

Key Takeaway: The Shekinah Glory testifies that the transcendent God chooses to live within His redeemed creation.

By NACM Ministry Tools

References #

Easton’s Bible Dictionary, entry “Glory”
Vine’s Expository Dictionary, “Dwell” and “Glory”
Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, “The Presence of God”
The Oxford Bible Commentary, Ezekiel and John sections
Scripture: Exodus 24:16-17; 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11; John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 17:1-8; Ezekiel 10-11; 43; Revelation 21:23