Doxology vs. Benediction – What’s the Difference?

Tim Davis

Every part of the church’s liturgy serves a didactic purpose.

Here’s what this means: everything that happens during the Sunday gathering teaches or catechizes the congregation in some way or another. Given this, it’s important to know what we do and why we do it. 

So, what’s a doxology? What’s a benediction?  Whether you’ve heard these terms before or not, let’s briefly explore what they mean and how they instruct us during the worship service.

DOXOLOGY

A doxology is a statement of praise. I wouldn’t be surprised if you read the word “doxology” and thought of “The Doxology”. That is, that wonderful but short hymn penned by the Anglican minister, Thomas Ken, in the late 1600s.

But this is just an example of a doxology. If you read carefully, you’ll discover doxologies (“statements of praise”) scattered throughout the New Testament letters. One of the most well-known is found in Paul’s letter to the Romans in chapter 11, verses 33-36. What’s central to note here is that Paul’s doxology flows out of his theological reflections in chapters 9-11.

Herein lies important application: theology and doxology are intertwined. At least, they should be! Right theology should overflow to right worship. Yet, you could express this point in reverse as well—that doxology teaches us theology.

Think of it this way. Imagine a world where Bibles are banned but you still have Christian music—what would those songs teach you and the next generation about God?

BENEDICTION

A benediction is a statement of blessing bestowed upon the people of God. It is not a prayer request; it’s a declaration of truth.

The Aaronic (no not, ironic) blessing found in Numbers 6:22-27 is a great example. Aaron was commissioned to speak this blessing—“The LORD bless you and keep you…”—over the people of God. And just as Aaron and his sons spoke these words over the people of Israel, so too, church leaders pronounce a blessing from Scripture over the people of God.

In the same way a father lifts his child’s chin to create eye contact, it’s fitting to open your eyes and lift your head when you receive the benediction. When the benediction—or blessing—is read from Scripture, you’re reminded of what’s true. Whatever sin you walked in with, you’re forgiven; whatever trials you face this week, he’s with you.

A FINAL NOTE

Church services devote time to doxology—not to merely fill the space nor to elicit emotions—but because it’s a fitting response to the knowledge of God. As for the closing words, the benediction concludes the church’s liturgy by assuring God’s people of God’s covenant promises.