Doxa
/ˈdɒk.sə/noun
An opinion, belief, or commonly accepted view, especially one contrasted with knowledge or proof.
Did you know?In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, doxa could mean “glory,” helping transform an ordinary word for opinion into a major theological term.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dek-
“A proposed root associated with accepting, receiving, or finding something suitable; the deeper source of Greek dokeō is debated in detail.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δοκέω (dokeō)
“To seem, appear, think, or suppose.”
Classical Greek
Greek
δόξα (dóxa)
“Opinion, belief, or what appears to be the case.”
Hellenistic Greek
Koine Greek
δόξα (dóxa)
“Opinion or reputation; in biblical usage, also glory, splendor, or divine honor.”
Late Antiquity
Greek/Latin
doxa
“A learned theological and philosophical term referring especially to glory or received belief.”
19th Century
English
doxa
“A specialized philosophical term for opinion or common belief, particularly in contrast with epistēmē, knowledge.”