The Purpose of Man Is to Glorify God: Bible Verses to Know

By Alex Assoune Apr 15, 2025

Throughout history, people have searched for meaning — in careers, relationships, achievements, and philosophies. But according to the Bible, the ultimate purpose of man is to glorify God. This truth lies at the heart of Scripture and shapes the entire biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation.

In this article, we’ll explore what it means to glorify God, why it's our purpose, what key Bible verses support this idea, and how it can transform the way we live every day.

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What Does It Mean to “Glorify God”?

To “glorify” someone means to honor, praise, or lift them up. In biblical terms, glorifying God means living in a way that reveals His greatness, holiness, and love to the world.

The word “glory” in the Bible is translated from the Hebrew word kavod and the Greek word doxa, both of which refer to weight, honor, majesty, and splendor. God’s glory is the fullness of who He is — His character, His power, and His presence.

To glorify God, then, means to acknowledge His worth, reflect His nature, and make His name known through our words, actions, and hearts.

The Westminster Catechism: A Foundational Statement

The idea that our purpose is to glorify God is famously summarized in the Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647):

“What is the chief end of man?”
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”

Though not a Bible verse, this line reflects deep biblical truth, drawing from many Scriptures that point to glorifying God as humanity’s primary calling.

Let’s explore the Bible passages that support this.

1. Created for God’s Glory

“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
– Isaiah 43:6–7 (NIV)

In this verse, God declares that He created people for His glory. This tells us that our very existence is not random or self-centered — we are made with a divine purpose: to reflect God’s greatness and goodness.

God didn’t need to create us, but He chose to — so we might know Him, love Him, and make Him known in all the earth.

2. All of Life for God’s Glory

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

This verse is striking because it shows that glorifying God isn’t just about big religious acts. Even simple daily tasks like eating and drinking can be done in a way that honors God.

In other words, glorifying God is a lifestyle — one that includes our attitudes, relationships, work, creativity, and how we treat others. When we live with gratitude, humility, and love, we glorify Him.

3. Jesus Glorified the Father — and So Should We

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
– John 17:4 (NIV)

In this prayer, Jesus is speaking to the Father shortly before His crucifixion. He says that His life — especially His obedience — brought glory to God.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk in His footsteps. Just like Jesus, our obedience, compassion, service, and sacrifice bring glory to the Father.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

This verse from the Sermon on the Mount reminds us that our actions should reflect God’s love so that others are drawn to glorify Him too.

4. Our Bodies Belong to God

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV)

This passage speaks of honoring God — not just spiritually, but physically. Our lives belong to God, and how we use our bodies should glorify Him.

That includes how we care for ourselves, how we use our talents, and how we pursue holiness. Everything about us is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and truth.

5. Our Suffering Can Glorify God

“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
– 1 Peter 4:13 (NIV)

The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of suffering. But it also teaches that suffering — when faced with faith — can be a powerful way to glorify God.

When we trust God in difficult times, we show the world that His grace is enough and that His hope is greater than our pain.

“This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
– John 9:3 (NIV)

Jesus said this about a man born blind. Sometimes our struggles are the very stage where God’s glory is shown most clearly.

6. The Church Exists to Glorify God

“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
– Ephesians 3:21 (NIV)

The church — the community of believers — exists to worship, reflect, and proclaim the glory of God. When Christians live in unity, love one another, and serve their communities, they become a living testimony to God’s glory on earth.

The church is not just a building or a weekly event. It is a group of people who together declare: God is worthy of all honor, praise, and devotion.

7. The End Goal: God’s Glory Forever

“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
– Romans 11:36 (NIV)

This powerful verse summarizes it all. Everything exists for God — including us. The ultimate goal of history, creation, and salvation is the glory of God.

In Revelation, the final book of the Bible, we see the end of the story: all nations worshiping before God's throne, singing His praise for eternity.

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
– Revelation 5:13 (NIV)

This is the destiny of humanity — to glorify God not just now, but forever.

How Do We Glorify God in Daily Life?

Understanding our purpose is one thing — living it out is another. So how can we glorify God in practical ways?

Here are a few:

Worship Him – Through song, prayer, gratitude, and praise.
Live with integrity – Be honest, faithful, and kind in all things.
Use your gifts – Serve others with your talents, time, and resources.
Care for creation – Steward the earth well, as God intended.
Love others – Forgive, help, and uplift those around you.
Trust Him in trials – Let your faith shine in hard times.
Share the gospel – Help others see the glory of God in Christ.

Conclusion: You Were Made to Glorify God

The Bible teaches that the purpose of man is to glorify God — not as a burden, but as the deepest joy of life.

When we glorify God, we live in alignment with our true design. We experience peace, meaning, and lasting purpose — not just for ourselves, but for the world around us. And in doing so, we prepare for eternity, where God’s glory will be the center of all things.

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
This isn’t just a theological phrase — it’s the blueprint for a full and abundant life.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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