ᾧ ἡ δόξα, sc. ἐστιν. Our versions supply ἔστω and turn the clause accordingly into an invocation of praise. But the insertion of the article points rather to an affirmation, whose is the glory. The verb is usually omitted in the doxology, but ἐστιν is added in 1 Peter 4:11. The glory consists in the manifestation of the Father's character throughout all the ages in the continual redemption of mankind according to His will. Hereby is revealed His union of perfect wisdom, holiness, and love. εἰς τ. αἰῶνας τ. αἰώνων. αἰών denotes in Scripture a divinely appointed period (see note on Galatians 1:4). The larger of these divine dispensations comprehend within them other shorter periods, and are therefore designated αἰῶνες αἰώνων. The phrase in the text ascribes the glory to God for the whole term of these dispensations, i.e., for all the ages of human life, since these together make up the sum of man's existence. The full form is used by the Apostle in Philippians 4:20; 2 Timothy 4:18, but he uses elsewhere the shorter form εἰς τ. αἰῶνας. ἀμήν. This Amen crowns the previous declaration of the glory of God by an invitation to the Churches to join in the ascription of praise.

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Old Testament