Church Words: Holy

Welcome to our blog series, Church Words, where we take a closer look at the language we often use as Christians—words that are woven into the fabric of our faith but may be misunderstood or misused. You might feel like you should know what these words mean, and so you feel uncomfortable asking about them in a Bible class. Or maybe you are just beginning your study on Christianity, and you are unfamiliar with any of the language that Christians use. Either way, I hope this series is helpful to you!

*We have already covered the concepts of "Church", "Faith", and "Grace". I really enjoyed working on those posts, and if you would like to read them then please click on them to follow the links.

-"The Church"

-"Faith" -"Grace"

Introduction

In today’s world, the word holy is often thrown around casually, losing much of its profound significance. We hear it in phrases like “holy cow” or “holier-than-thou,” yet rarely pause to consider its deeper meaning. Even within Christian circles, holy is sometimes reduced to a vague idea of goodness or morality, rather than the powerful, transformative concept found in Scripture. But holiness is far more than a word—it is a defining attribute of God Himself and a calling placed upon His people. To grasp the true weight of holiness, we must go beyond cultural misunderstandings and rediscover its biblical roots.

In this post, we will explore what "holy" means from both an Old Testament and New Testament perspective. We’ll look at the original Hebrew and Greek words for holy, and why it’s crucial for us to reclaim and understand the true meaning of "holy." By doing so, we can begin to live out the full calling God has for us.

The Misuse of "Holy" in the Modern World

The word "holy" is used in so many contexts today that we sometimes forget its deep, sacred meaning. We might describe someone as "holier-than-thou" when we mean they’re self-righteous, or we use the term "holy cow" to express surprise. While these expressions aren’t inherently sinful, they do reveal a broader cultural tendency to strip "holy" of its awe-inspiring, sacred connotations. When we use the term flippantly or superficially, we run the risk of forgetting that holiness is not just a quality that can be attached to people, places, or things in a casual way.

Biblically, holiness carries far more weight than simply being good, pure, or set apart in an abstract sense. It's the essence of who God is, and it defines how we are to live as His people. This is where understanding the biblical meaning of "holy" becomes crucial.

The Hebrew Word for "Holy": Qadosh

The Old Testament is written primarily in Hebrew, and the word for "holy" in Hebrew is qadosh. The term qadosh literally means "to be set apart," "to be consecrated," or "to be distinct." When used in the context of God, it refers to His utter transcendence—His separateness from anything that is not divine. The very nature of God is holy, and it is the holiness of God that sets Him apart from all creation.

In the book of Isaiah, we encounter one of the most powerful descriptions of God’s holiness. In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah has a vision of God seated on His throne, surrounded by seraphim who cry out:

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" Isaiah 6:3

Here, we see the intense emphasis of the holiness of God, marked by the repetition of the word three times. This repetition in Hebrew signifies the supreme, unparalleled nature of God's holiness. He is not simply holy, but He is the Holy One, distinct from anything or anyone else. His holiness is not a superficial characteristic; it is the essence of His divine nature.

When God called the people of Israel to be holy, He wasn’t just asking them to be morally good or upstanding citizens; He was calling them to be set apart as His people, to reflect His holiness in the world. In Leviticus, God tells the Israelites:

"You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine." Leviticus 20:26

This isn’t just about behaving in an acceptable way; it’s about being distinct, reflecting the holiness of God in every aspect of life, and living as representatives of His Kingdom.

The Greek Word for "Holy": Hagios

When we turn to the New Testament, written in Koine Greek, the word for "holy" shifts to hagios. Similar to qadosh, hagios means "set apart" or "consecrated," but it also carries the sense of being pure, morally excellent, and dedicated to God’s purposes. Holiness is not only a characteristic of God but also a state that believers are called to experience in their lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the New Testament, we see this word used in relation to both God and His people. In Peters first letter, we read:

"But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:15-16

This call to holiness is not optional for the believer—it is an integral part of our identity in Christ. Just as the people of Israel were called to reflect God’s holiness in the Old Testament, so too are Christians called to live holy lives in the New Testament.

However, the call to holiness is not one that we can fulfill on our own strength. The power to live a holy life comes through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies us (there will be an article in the future on the word "sanctify") and empowers us to reflect the holiness of God in our daily lives. This is why holiness is not just an external behavior but an internal transformation that affects every area of our being.

Why It Matters to Get This Right

Now, you might be thinking, "Why does it matter if I understand the true meaning of holiness? What difference does it make in my life?" The answer lies in the depth of our relationship with God and our purpose in this world.

1. Holiness Is About Our Relationship with God

   Understanding the holiness of God allows us to grasp the magnitude of His greatness. God is not just a kind and loving being; He is infinitely transcendent and pure, completely separate from the corruption of sin. When we understand God’s holiness, we begin to see how incredible it is that He invites us into relationship with Him. We can no longer treat Him casually or take His grace for granted. Holiness matters because it reminds us of God's incomparable greatness.

   
   

2. Holiness Is Our Calling as Believers

   When we are called to holiness, it is not just a call to moral purity; it is a call to live as people who belong to a holy God. Our lives are meant to reflect His character, both in our actions and in our hearts. When we misunderstand holiness as simply being good or moral, we miss the deeper calling to be set apart, consecrated for God’s purposes in the world. Holiness isn’t about following rules; it’s about reflecting God’s glory in a fallen world.

   
   

3. Holiness Is a Work of the Holy Spirit

   Finally, holiness matters because it is not something we can achieve on our own. We cannot make ourselves holy through effort or discipline alone. It is the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness. When we recognize that holiness is God’s work in us, we stop striving to earn it and start yielding to the Spirit’s transformative power.

   
   

Conclusion

The word "holy" is far more than just a term to describe something good or sacred—it is the very essence of God’s nature and the foundation of our calling as His people. In both the Old and New Testaments, holiness is about being set apart, consecrated, and transformed by the presence of God. It’s not about mere moral perfection, but about living in a way that reflects His divine character in a world that desperately needs His light.

Understanding holiness rightly changes how we approach God, how we live, and how we see our purpose. It reminds us that we are not meant to blend in with the world but to stand apart as a testimony to His glory. And yet, this calling is not something we can achieve on our own—it is the work of the Holy Spirit within us, shaping and refining us day by day.

So let us embrace holiness not as a burden, but as a beautiful invitation into deeper fellowship with God. May we seek to live lives that honor His holiness, relying on His grace and Spirit to set us apart for His purposes. In doing so, we become a reflection of His light, drawing others to the wonder of who He is.