What is the Shekinah Glory?

Definition and Origin of the Term “Shekinah”

The term “Shekinah” is not found verbatim in most English translations of the Bible, yet it appears in ancient Jewish writings, including the Targums, to refer to the manifest presence or dwelling of God among humanity. Derived from the Hebrew root שׁכן (shakan), meaning “to dwell” or “to reside,” the word “Shekinah” has long been understood in scholarly and traditional circles as symbolizing God’s glory made visible and tangible. Though post-biblical in linguistic form, this concept draws on numerous Scriptural passages that depict God’s glorious presence with His people.

Scriptural Foundations of God’s Dwelling Presence

Scripture introduces the idea of God dwelling with His people early in the biblical narrative. In Exodus, Yahweh liberates the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and leads them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21), representing His personal guidance. Later, the cloud and fire become a profound indication of God’s overwhelming glory filling the tabernacle:

• “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34)

In these passages, though the term “Shekinah” itself is not used in the original Hebrew text, the manifestation of God’s glory as a cloud and fire carrying His presence encapsulates the essence of the Shekinah concept.

Shekinah in the Tabernacle and Temple

From the portable tabernacle in the wilderness to Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, the theme of God indwelling among His people continues.

• “When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house.” (2 Chronicles 7:1)

The visible cloud, described as “the glory of the LORD,” halted the priests from entering, underscoring the weight and intensity of His holy presence. Historically, many interpret these dramatic events as instances of the Shekinah among Israel.

Over time, Israel’s worship centered on the Temple, believed to be the unique locus where God’s glory dwelled (1 Kings 8:10–11). While human sin and idolatry brought periods of divine judgment, the pattern of God revealing Himself through glory-cloud manifestations remains a significant thread in Scriptural theology.

Jewish Writings and the Development of the Concept

Outside of the biblical text, the frequent usage of the term “Shekinah” in the Targums (Aramaic interpretations of Hebrew Scripture) indicates the depth to which rabbinic tradition cherished the concept of God visibly taking up residence among His people. Later Jewish works, such as the Talmud, also provide discussions of the Shekinah as the very presence or glory of the Divine. These extra-biblical remarks confirm the continuity between the biblical descriptions of God’s indwelling presence and the post-biblical naming of that phenomenon as Shekinah.

Shekinah in Relation to God’s Holiness

God’s glory is a foundational aspect of His holiness. Throughout Scripture, individuals who encounter the fullness of His presence react in reverence and awe. When Moses meets God in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2–6), or when the prophets behold visions of God’s throne room (Isaiah 6:1–5; Ezekiel 1), the response is always profound humility. This reaction underscores the teaching that while God may choose to dwell among people, His presence remains supremely holy and overwhelmingly powerful.

The Shekinah and Christ’s Incarnation

The New Testament further develops the concept of divine dwelling in the person of Jesus Christ. Referring to Christ as “the Word,” the Gospel of John connects Him intimately to God’s glory:

• “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

The Greek term translated “dwelling” (σκηνόω, skēnoō) literally means “to tabernacle,” a strong echo of God’s presence in the Old Testament. Early believers interpreted Christ’s works, miracles, teaching, and especially His death and resurrection as the ultimate revelation of God’s Shekinah among humanity.

The Shekinah and the Holy Spirit

Following Christ’s ascension, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit became the realization of God’s glory in the lives of believers. On the day of Pentecost, tongues of fire descended, and the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4). This motif of divine fire hearkens back to the Old Testament Shekinah imagery and underscores the continuity of God’s abiding presence in His people. From that point onward, the Spirit’s power, guidance, and gifts have been associated with God’s personal involvement and revelatory work in the Church (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).

Historical and Archaeological Considerations

Outside of Scripture, archaeological findings related to the First and Second Temple periods (such as the Temple Mount excavations in Jerusalem) confirm the longstanding centrality of the Temple as a worship site. These discoveries, along with the Dead Sea Scrolls providing textual evidence for the authenticity of the Tanakh, contribute to an understanding of how seriously ancient Israel treated the concept of God’s dwelling glory in the midst of worship. While historians may use different terminology, the consistent portrayal of a set-apart sanctuary for the divine presence weaves seamlessly with the biblical representations of a holy God dwelling among His people.

Significance for Devotion and Worship

The Shekinah highlights the reality that God is not distant or unconcerned but actively involved in revealing Himself. This aspect of God’s nature calls believers to approach Him with reverence and gratitude.

• It brings hope, reminding that the Creator lovingly chooses to live among His people.

• It clarifies holiness, demonstrating how we should respond in awe, repentance, and submission.

• It inspires worship, as encountering divine glory naturally leads one to praise.

Throughout biblical history, individuals who witnessed or experienced God’s glory invariably bowed in worship, recognizing both the grandeur of His majesty and the depth of His grace in revealing Himself.

Spiritual Application for Today

In daily life, the Shekinah offers encouragement: God can be known on a personal level, and through the Holy Spirit, there is continual access to His presence. Christians speak of being “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19), a direct application of how God’s presence dwells in believers. Those who seek Him through worship, prayer, and obedience often testify to moments resembling the biblical encounters with His glory—though typically less dramatic, still profoundly life-transforming.

Summary of the Shekinah’s Importance

1. Reflects the holiness and majesty of the Eternal God.

2. Symbolizes God’s intimate relationship with His people throughout Scripture—visible in the tabernacle, temple, Christ’s incarnation, and indwelling Spirit.

3. Encourages believers that God’s presence is accessible and transformative.

4. Shapes Christian worship and devotion, prompting awe and gratitude.

“Glory belongs to God in the highest, and peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) — a concise illustration of the Shekinah principle: an exalted, holy God who graciously chooses to dwell with humanity.