Biblical Definition Of Holiness
The Hebrew term קֹדֶשׁ (kodesh) and the Greek ἁγιωσύνη (hagiōsýnē) are central to understanding the biblical concept of holiness. The Hebrew term appears frequently in the Old Testament, often in relation to the sanctuary and priestly rituals [3]. In the New Testament, ἁγιωσύνη is used to describe the quality of being holy or sanctified [4, 7].
Holiness is an attribute of God, emphasizing His separateness and perfection (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 15:4) [1]. In Isaiah 35:8, a highway is described as the "way of holiness," reserved for the redeemed and purified [5]. The concept is closely tied to the idea of being set apart for God's service.
The biblical definition of holiness encompasses both ritual purity and moral integrity. In Leviticus, holiness is associated with the priests and the community's separation from uncleanness [9, 12]. The call to holiness is not limited to the priestly class; it extends to all believers, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16, which quotes Leviticus 19:2, "Be holy, because I am holy" [2].
In the New Testament, holiness is characterized by separation from the world and alignment with God's passions and purposes [11]. It involves a life of purity, detachment from worldly lusts, and a pursuit of peace with others (Heb. 12:14) [13]. The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as "holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners" (Heb. 7:26), providing a model for believers to follow [6].
The understanding of holiness has been interpreted in various ways across different traditions. According to Abraham Ibn Ezra, holiness is an essential attribute of God, and His servants and messengers should reflect this attribute [8]. In the view of Ramban (Nachmanides), holiness signifies separateness and self-control, particularly for the priests [9]. Protestant interpreters emphasize that holiness is a work of gradual development, facilitated by watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance [1].
The beauty of holiness is associated with spiritual worship, as seen in Psalm 29:2, where the "beauty of holiness" is linked to the loveliness of a spiritual worship [10]. The concept of holiness is thus deeply connected to the nature of God and the character of believers, reflecting a life consecrated to God's service.
The biblical concept of holiness is not static; it involves a dynamic relationship between God and His people. As God's covenant with Israel meant that the people participated in God's holiness, so too does the New Testament emphasize the believer's participation in Christ's holiness [12]. This participation is characterized by a life of sanctification, purity, and obedience to God's will [14].
In the biblical context, holiness is not merely a moral or ritual concept but a comprehensive way of life that reflects God's character. As such, it remains a central theme in Christian theology and practice, underscoring the importance of living a life set apart for God's glory.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Holiness — In the highest sense belongs to God (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Rom. 6:19, 22; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:23, 24). (See [280]SANCTIFICATION.)”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
- STEPBible TBESG “[H6942] H6942K = a Meaning of (H6942G) — : holiness<br>1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate<br>1a) (Qal)<br>1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated<br>1a2) to be hallowed<br>1a3) consecrated, tabooed<br>1b) (Niphal)<br>1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic<br>1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred<br>1b3) to be holy<br>1c) (Piel)<br>1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate<br>1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred<br>1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow<br>1c4) to consecrate<br>1d) (Pual)<br>1d1) to be consecrated<br>1d2) consecra”
- TFLSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) “[G0042] ἁγιωσύνη — holiness: <b> ἁγιωσύνη</b>, ἡ, <br /> <b>holiness, sanctity,</b> [<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=" LXX.2Mac.3.12, NT.Rom.1.4, etc. ">LXX+NT</a>]<br /><Level2><b>__II</b></Level2> as title, [<a href="javascript:void(0)" title=" “PMeyer” 24.2 (6th c.AD).">Refs 6th c.AD+</a>]”
- Isaiah “Isaiah 35:8 (LEB) — And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness. The unclean shall not travel through it, but it is for them, he who walks on the way; and fools shall not wander about.”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 7:26 (BSB) — Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”
- Strong's Greek Dictionary “[G42] ἁγιωσύνη (hagiōsýnē) — Definition: sacredness (i.e. properly, the quality) | Derivation: from G40 (ἅγιος); | KJV usage: holiness”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 6:3: Holy . An adjective. Holiness is an essential attribute of the Lord; it is therefore the same in every place. God showed Isaiah this vision, that he might purify himself from the uncleanness of the lips; for the Lord is holy, and so also should be His servants and messengers.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical)) “Ramban (Nachmanides) on Leviticus 21:6: THEY SHALL BE HOLY UNTO THEIR G-D. Holiness signifies separateness, as I have explained in the section above. 24 In the beginning of Seder Kedoshim . Scripture is thus stating that even in those things which are permissible to Israelites, the priests should exercise self-control, avoiding the impurity of the dead, and marrying of women who are unfit for them in purity and cleanliness.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 29:2: name--as (Psa 5:11; Psa 8:1). beauty of holiness--the loveliness of a spiritual worship, of which the perceptible beauty of the sanctuary worship was but a type.”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 17:16: 17:16-18 Being holy refers to purity gained by separation from the world, and living a life so aligned with God that it reflects his passions. Disciples are set apart by God, equipped by the Spirit, and readied by God’s word to enter the world without being victimized by its darkness.”
- Leviticus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Leviticus 17:1: 17:1–26:46 This section deals with how the community of Israel was to observe holiness. Holiness does not describe one attribute of God among many. Rather, it is the sum of all attributes of his person, nature, and character (see study note on Exod 3:5). His “glory” is the manifestation of his perfect person, nature, and character (see Lev 9:6). God’s covenant with Israel meant that the people and the nation participated in God’s holiness. This holiness depended on Israel’s relationship with God. This relationship brought certain ethical and ritual expectations”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 12:14: Follow peace with all men - Cultivate, as far as you possibly can, a good understanding, both with Jews and Gentiles. Ειρηνην διωκετε, pursue peace with the same care, attention, and diligence, as beasts do their game; follow it through all places; trace it through all winding circumstances; and have it with all men, if you can with a safe conscience. And holiness - Τον ἁγιασμον· That state of continual sanctification, that life of purity and detachment from the world and all its lusts, without which detachment and sanctity no man shall see the Lord - shall never”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 4:3: 4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical speculation about virtue but doing God’s will (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:36; 13:20-21). Holiness (1 Thes 4:4, 7) embraces all of a person’s life (5:23); here it involves staying away from sexual sin (Greek porneia, any sexual union outside marriage).”