{
  "id": "dict_002201",
  "term": "Gloria in Excelsis",
  "slug": "gloria-in-excelsis",
  "letter": "G",
  "entry_type": "liturgical_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "A traditional Christian hymn of praise whose title means “Glory to God in the highest,” taken from the angels’ song in Luke 2:14.",
  "simple_one_line": "A classic hymn title from Luke 2:14 praising God for Christ’s birth.",
  "tooltip_text": "Latin title for a well-known Christian doxology based on the angels’ praise at Jesus’ birth.",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "Luke 2:14",
    "Doxology",
    "Worship",
    "Incarnation",
    "Angels",
    "Praise"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Gloria Patri",
    "Doxology",
    "Magnificat",
    "Benedictus",
    "Nunc Dimittis"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "Gloria in Excelsis is the opening Latin phrase of a historic Christian hymn of praise. It means “Glory to God in the highest” and is drawn from the angelic announcement in Luke 2:14.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "A liturgical title rooted in Scripture, not a separate doctrine.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "Comes from Luke 2:14",
    "Used as the title of an ancient hymn of praise",
    "Highlights the incarnation and God’s glory",
    "Common in liturgical worship traditions"
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "“Gloria in Excelsis” is the Latin title commonly used for the ancient Christian hymn beginning with the words “Glory to God in the highest.” Its biblical source is Luke 2:14, where angels praise God at the birth of Jesus. In dictionary use, it is best treated as a liturgical and historical term rather than a distinct theological doctrine.",
  "description_academic_full": "“Gloria in Excelsis” is a Latin phrase meaning “Glory to God in the highest,” taken from the angels’ words in Luke 2:14. In Christian tradition the phrase became the title of an ancient hymn of praise, often called the Greater Doxology, and has been used widely in public worship, especially in liturgical settings. The expression is firmly biblical in origin, but the term itself functions chiefly as a worship title and historical liturgical phrase. It is useful to note its connection to the incarnation and the praise of God, while avoiding the mistake of treating it as a distinct doctrinal category in its own right.",
  "background_biblical_context": "Luke 2:14 records the angels praising God at the birth of Jesus: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” The hymn title draws directly from that verse and reflects the joy and worship surrounding Christ’s arrival.",
  "background_historical_context": "By early Christian and later church usage, the phrase became associated with a fixed hymn of praise in worship. It is especially familiar in historic liturgical traditions as a doxology sung or recited in communal praise.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "The phrase arises from a Jewish and biblical world where heavenly praise, divine glory, and messianic expectation are closely connected. Luke presents the angelic announcement in language that fits the reverent worship vocabulary of Scripture.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "Luke 2:14"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "Luke 2:13-15",
    "Psalm 148:1-2",
    "Isaiah 6:3"
  ],
  "original_language_note": "The title is Latin: gloria in excelsis, “glory in the highest.” It reflects the wording of Luke 2:14 as preserved in the biblical tradition and translated into church Latin.",
  "theological_significance": "The phrase celebrates God’s glory in the coming of Christ and joins heaven’s praise to the gospel story. It underscores that Jesus’ birth is an event calling for worship, peace, and divine honor.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "As a liturgical formula, the phrase functions performatively: it does not merely describe praise but invites and shapes worship. Its meaning is rooted in revelation, not in abstract religious sentiment.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not treat the title as a separate biblical doctrine. Its authority comes from Scripture’s nativity account, while its later hymn form belongs to church usage.",
  "major_views_note": "Across Christian traditions, the phrase is recognized as a praise text tied to Luke 2:14, though the exact musical and liturgical form differs among churches.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "This entry concerns a worship phrase and hymn title, not a doctrine of salvation, church order, or sacrament. Its theological content should remain anchored to Luke 2:14 and the praise of God.",
  "practical_significance": "It reminds believers that Christ’s coming is meant to produce worship, joy, and God-centered praise. It also illustrates how Scripture has shaped historic Christian worship language.",
  "meta_description": "Gloria in Excelsis is the Latin hymn title meaning “Glory to God in the highest,” drawn from Luke 2:14 and used in Christian worship.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/gloria-in-excelsis/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/gloria-in-excelsis.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}