Majesty
Summary
A divine attribute denoting God's supreme greatness, glory, and sovereign authority, used as a title for the Almighty in Scripture.
☩Divine Title
Scripture uses 'Majesty' as a name for God in His heavenly dominion. The epistle to the Hebrews declares that Christ, 'when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high' (Hebrews 1:3), and 'we have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens' (Hebrews 8:1).
☩Greek Terminology
Two Greek words are translated 'majesty': megaleiotes (magnificence, stately appearance) and megalosune (sovereign greatness, regal might). The first appears in Luke 9:43 regarding Christ's miracles and in 2 Peter 1:16 concerning His Transfiguration glory. The second appears in the Hebrews passages and in doxologies (Jude 25).
☩Christ's Moral Majesty
Beyond physical appearance, the Gospels reveal Christ's moral majesty—a majesty of purity, truth, and goodness that subdued all who encountered Him. John the Baptist felt unworthy to baptize Him (Matthew 3:14). Peter cried, 'Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord' (Luke 5:8). Even Pilate was troubled by the majesty of Christ's character during the trial. This moral majesty reached its culmination in the judgment hall and at the cross.
☩Christ's Exalted Position
The concept of Christ seated at God's right hand, drawn from Psalm 110:1, appears throughout the New Testament (Matthew 26:64; Acts 2:33; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1). It refers not to His pre-existent dignity but to His exaltation following incarnation and suffering, exercising a supremely exalted office as our Great High Priest and Mediator.
Related Verses29 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Majesty," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Majesty," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).