Definition and Etymology:
Holiness, in the biblical context, refers to the state of being set apart, sacred, or consecrated to God. The Hebrew word for holiness is "qodesh," and the Greek equivalent is "hagios." Both terms convey the idea of separation from the common or profane and dedication to the divine.

Biblical Foundation:
Holiness is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His expectations for His people. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16: "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

God's Holiness:
The holiness of God is intrinsic and absolute. It is a defining attribute of His character, setting Him apart from all creation. Isaiah 6:3 captures the seraphim proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the perfection and completeness of God's holiness.

Holiness of Christ:
Jesus Christ embodies holiness, being both fully God and fully man. His life on earth was a perfect example of holiness in action. Hebrews 7:26 describes Him as "holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are made holy and are called to live in His likeness.

Holiness of the Church:
The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be holy. Ephesians 5:25-27 states, "Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." The Church's holiness is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers are progressively sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Personal Holiness:
Believers are called to pursue personal holiness as a response to God's grace. Romans 12:1 urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This involves a transformation of character and conduct, aligning one's life with God's will.

Holiness and the Law:
The Law given to Israel was a means to teach holiness, setting the Israelites apart from other nations. While the ceremonial aspects of the Law were fulfilled in Christ, the moral imperatives continue to guide believers in holy living. Galatians 5:16-18 encourages walking by the Spirit to fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law.

Holiness and the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's sanctification, empowering them to live a holy life. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 reminds, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. Therefore, whoever rejects this instruction does not reject man, but God, who gives you His Holy Spirit."

Holiness and the World:
Believers are called to be distinct from the world, reflecting God's holiness in their interactions and decisions. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 exhorts, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Holiness and Eschatology:
The pursuit of holiness is also eschatological, as believers anticipate the return of Christ and the full realization of God's kingdom. 2 Peter 3:11-12 challenges, "Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God."

Holiness, therefore, is not merely an abstract concept but a practical and essential aspect of the Christian life, rooted in the character of God and manifested in the lives of His people.2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Topicalbible.org

Leviticus 19:2
Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them, You shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
Topicalbible.org

1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Topicalbible.org

1 Thessalonians 4:7
For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 6:13
Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
Topicalbible.org

3 John 1:11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God.
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2 Timothy 2:16
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase to more ungodliness.
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1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
Topicalbible.org

In the highest sense belongs to God (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 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 (Romans 6:19, 22; Ephesians 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 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 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:23, 24). (see SANCTIFICATION.) 1. (n.) The state or quality of being holy; perfect moral integrity or purity; freedom from sin; sanctity; innocence.

2. (n.) The state of being hallowed, or consecrated to God or to his worship; sacredness.

HOLINESS

ho'-li-nes (qadhosh, "holy," qodhesh, "holiness"; hagios, "holy"):

I. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT MEANING OF THE TERM

1. The Holiness of God

(1) Absoluteness and Majesty

(2) Ethical Holiness

2. Holiness of Place, Time and Object

3. Holiness of Men

(1) Ceremonial

(2) Ethical and Spiritual

II. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: THE CHRISTIAN CONCEPTION

1. Applied to God

2. Applied To Christ

3. Applied To Things

4. Applied To Christians

(1) As Separate from the World

(2) As Bound to the Pursuit of an Ethical Ideal

I. In the Old Testament Meaning of the Term.

There has been much discussion as to the original meaning of the Semitic root Q-D-SH, by which the notion of holiness is expressed in the Old Testament. Some would connect it with an Assyrian word denoting purity, clearness; most modern scholars incline to the view that the primary idea is that of cutting off or separation. Etymology gives no sure verdict on the point, but the idea of separation lends itself best to the various senses in which the word "holiness" is employed. In primitive Semitic usage "holiness" seems to have expressed nothing more than that ceremonial separation of an object from common use which the modern study of savage religions has rendered familiar under the name of taboo (W.R. Smith, Religion of the Semites, Lect iv). But within the Biblical sphere, with which alone we are immediately concerned, holiness attaches itself first of all, not to visible objects, but to the invisible Yahweh, and to places, seasons, things and human beings only in so far as they are associated with Him. And while the idea of ceremonial holiness runs through the Old Testament, the ethical significance which Christianity attributes to the term is never wholly absent, and gradually rises in the course of the revelation into more emphatic prominence.

1. The Holiness of God:

As applied to God the notion of holiness is used in the Old Testament in two distinct senses:

(1) Absoluteness and Majesty

First in the more general sense of separation from all that is human and earthly. It thus denotes the absoluteness, majesty, and awfulness of the Creator in His distinction from the creature. In this use of the word, "holiness" is little more than an equivalent general term for "Godhead," and the adjective "holy" is almost synonymous with "Divine" (compare Daniel 4:8, 9, 18; Daniel 5:11). Yahweh's "holy arm" (Isaiah 52:10 Psalm 98:1) is His Divine arm, and His "holy name" (Leviticus 20:3, etc.) is His Divine name. When Hannah sings "There is none holy as Yahweh" (1 Samuel 2:2), the rest of the verse suggests that she is referring, not to His ethical holiness, but simply to His supreme Divinity.

(2) Ethical Holiness

But, in the next place, holiness of character in the distinct ethical sense is ascribed to God. The injunction, "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44; Leviticus 19:2), plainly implies an ethical conception. Men cannot resemble God in His incommunicable attributes. They can reflect His likeness only along the lines of those moral qualities of righteousness and love in which true holiness consists. In the Psalmists and Prophets the Divine holiness becomes, above all, an ethical reality convicting men of sin (Isaiah 6:3, 1) and demanding of those who would stand in His presence clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3 f).

2. Holiness of Place, Time and Object:

From the holiness of God is derived that ceremonial holiness of things which is characteristic of the Old Testament religion. Whatever is connected with the worship of the holy Yahweh is itself holy. Nothing is holy in itself, but anything becomes holy by its consecration to Him. A place where He manifests His presence is holy ground (Exodus 3:5). The tabernacle or temple in which His glory is revealed is a holy building (Exodus 28:29 2 Chronicles 35:5); and all its sacrifices (Exodus 29:33), ceremonial materials (30:25; Numbers 5:17) and utensils (1 Kings 8:4) are also holy. The Sabbath is holy because it is the Sabbath of the Lord (Exodus 20:8-11). "Holiness, in short, expresses a relation, which consists negatively in separation from common use, and positively in dedication to the service of Yahweh" (Skinner in HDB, II, 395).

3. Holiness of Men:

The holiness of men is of two kinds:

(1) Ceremonial

A ceremonial holiness, corresponding to that of impersonal objects and depending upon their relation to the outward service of Yahweh. Priests and Levites are holy because they have been "hallowed" or "sanctified" by acts of consecration (Exodus 29:1 Leviticus 8:12, 30). The Nazirite is holy because he has separated himself unto the Lord (Numbers 6:5). Above all, Israel, notwithstanding all its sins and shortcomings, is holy, as a nation separated from other nations for Divine purposes and uses (Exodus 19:6, etc.; compare Leviticus 20:24).

(2) Ethical and Spiritual

But out of this merely ceremonial holiness there emerges a higher holiness that is spiritual and ethical. For unlike other creatures man was made in the image of God and capable of reflecting the Divine likeness. And as God reveals Himself as ethically holy, He calls man to a holiness resembling His own (Leviticus 19:2). In the so-called "Law of Holiness" (Leviticus 17:1-26:46), God's demand for moral holiness is made clear; and yet the moral contents of the Law are still intermingled with ceremonial elements (Leviticus 17:10; Leviticus 19:19; Leviticus 21:1). In psalm and prophecy, however, a purely ethical conception comes into view-the conception of a human holiness which rests upon righteousness and truth (Psalm 15:1 f) and the possession of a contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15). This corresponds to the knowledge of a God who, being Himself ethically holy, esteems justice, mercy and lowly piety more highly than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6 Micah 6:6-8).

II. In the New Testament: The Christian Conception.

The idea of holiness is expressed here chiefly by the word hagios and its derivatives, which correspond very closely to the words of the Q-D-SH group in Hebrew, and are employed to render them in the Septuagint. The distinctive feature of the New Testament idea of holiness is that the external aspect of it has almost entirely disappeared, and the ethical meaning has become supreme. The ceremonial idea still exists in contemporary Judaism, and is typically represented by the Pharisees (Mark 7:1-13 Luke 18:11 f). But Jesus proclaimed a new view of religion and morality according to which men are cleansed or defiled, not by anything outward, but by the thoughts of their hearts (Matthew 15:17-20), and God is to be worshipped neither in Samaria nor Jerusalem, but wherever men seek Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:21-24).

1. Applied to God:

In the New Testament the term "holy" is seldom applied to God, and except in quotations from the Old Testament (Luke 1:49 1 Peter 1:15 f), only in the Johannine writings (John 17:11 Revelation 4:8; Revelation 6:10). But it is constantly used of the Spirit of God (Matthew 1:18 Acts 1:2 Romans 5:5, etc.), who now, in contrast with Old Testament usage, becomes specifically the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost.

2. Applied to Christ:

In several passages the term is applied to Christ (Mark 1:24 Acts 3:14; Acts 4:30, etc.), as being the very type of ethical perfection (compare Hebrews 7:26).

3. Applied to Things:

In keeping with the fact that things are holy in a derivative sense through their relationship to God, the word is used of Jerusalem (Matthew 4:5), the Old Testament covenant (Luke 1:72), the Scriptures (Romans 1:2), the Law (Romans 7:12), the Mount of Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:18), etc.

4. Applied to Christians:

But it is especially in its application to Christians that the idea of holiness meets us in the New Testament in a sense that is characteristic and distinctive. Christ's people are regularly called "saints" or holy persons, and holiness in the high ethical and spiritual meaning of the word is used to denote the appropriate quality of their life and conduct.

(1) As Separate from the World

No doubt, as applied to believers, "saints" conveys in the first place the notion of a separation from the world and a consecration to God. Just as Israel under the old covenant was a chosen race, so the Christian church in succeeding to Israel's privileges becomes a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9), and the Christian individual, as one of the elect people, becomes a holy man or woman (Colossians 3:12). In Paul's usage all baptized persons are "saints," however far they may still be from the saintly character (compare 1 Corinthians 1:2, 14 with 5:1).

(2) As Bound to the Pursuit of an Ethical Ideal

But though the use of the name does not imply high ethical character as a realized fact, it always assumes it as an ideal and an obligation. It is taken for granted that the Holy Spirit has taken up His abode in the heart of every regenerate person, and that a work of positive sanctification is going on there. The New Testament leaves no room for the thought of a holiness divorced from those moral qualities which the holy God demands of those whom He has called to be His people.

SeeSANCTIFICATION.

LITERATURE.

Robertson Smith, Religion of the Semites, Lects. iii, iv; A. B. Davidson, Theology of the Old Testament, 145; Schultz, Theology of the Old Testament, II, 167; Orr, Sin as a Problem of Today, chapter iii; Sanday-Headlam, Romans, 12; articles "Holiness" in HDB and "Heiligkeit Gottes im AT" in RE.

J. C. Lambert

3742. hosiotes -- piety, holiness
... piety, holiness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: hosiotes Phonetic
Spelling: (hos-ee-ot'-ace) Short Definition: holiness, godliness, piety ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3742.htm - 7k

41. hagiotes -- sanctity, holiness
... sanctity, holiness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: hagiotes Phonetic
Spelling: (hag-ee-ot'-ace) Short Definition: holiness Definition: holiness ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/41.htm - 6k

42. hagiosune -- holiness
... holiness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: hagiosune Phonetic Spelling:
(hag-ee-o-soo'-nay) Short Definition: a holy or sanctified state ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/42.htm - 7k

38. hagiasmos -- consecration, sanctification
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: hagiasmos Phonetic Spelling:
(hag-ee-as-mos') Short Definition: sanctification, holiness Definition: the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/38.htm - 7k

2150. eusebeia -- piety
... godliness, holiness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme -- godliness,
holiness. see GREEK eusebes. (eusebeia) -- 5 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2150.htm - 7k

2412. hieroprepes -- reverent
... reverent. From hieros and the same as prepo; reverent -- as becometh holiness. see
GREEK hieros. see GREEK prepo. (ieroprepeis) -- 1 Occurrence. 2411, 2412. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2412.htm - 7k

6944. qodesh -- apartness, sacredness
... NASB Word Usage consecrated (2), consecrated thing (1), consecrated things (2),
dedicated (1), dedicated gifts (2), dedicated things (5), holiness (9), Holy (6 ...
/hebrew/6944.htm - 6k

6942. qadash -- to be set apart or consecrated
... 2), dedicated (8), dedicating (1), holier (1), holy (5), keep (1), keep it holy
(2), keep the holy (3), made it holy (1), manifest my holiness (2), prepare (2 ...
/hebrew/6942.htm - 6k

The Theology of Holiness
The Theology of Holiness. <. The Theology of Holiness Dougan Clark. Curtis
A. Weyant, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the theology of holiness/

The Holiness of God
... 3. God and his creation 7. The Holiness Of God. The next attribute is God's
holiness. Exodus 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 the holiness of god.htm

Note A. Holiness as Proprietorship.
... NOTE A. Holiness as Proprietorship. In a little book"Holiness, as understood
by the Writers of the Bible; A Bible Study by Joseph ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/note a holiness as proprietorship.htm

Election and Holiness
... Election and Holiness. A Sermon (No.303). Delivered on Sabbath Morning, March
11th, 1860, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. At Exeter Hall, Strand. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/election and holiness.htm

Fighting Holiness
... XV Fighting Holiness. 'Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal
life.' (1 Timothy 6:12.). My object, in announcing 'Fighting ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xv fighting holiness.htm

For Holiness.
... DEVOUT EXERCISES. 490. " For Holiness. 490. SM Methodist Coll. For Holiness.
1 The thing my God doth hate That I no more may ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/490 for holiness.htm

His Perfect Holiness.
... THE PERSON OF CHRIST. HIS PERFECT HOLINESS. A SINLESS Saviour, surrounded by a sinful
world, is an astounding fact indeed; a sublime moral miracle in history. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/his perfect holiness.htm

Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
... Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation. 'And thou shalt make a plate of pure
gold, and grave upon it, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And it shall ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/ninth day holiness and mediation.htm

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
... Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. 'Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who
is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/sixth day holiness and glory.htm

Addresses on Holiness,
... CHAPTER XII. ADDRESSES ON HOLINESS,. ... I said, "Oh, my God! it has come to something
if holiness and Jesus Christ are at the antipodes of each other. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter xii addresses on holiness.htm

Holiness (76 Occurrences)
... Peter 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is ... Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. HOLINESS. ho'-li-nes (qadhosh, "holy ...
/h/holiness.htm - 42k

Anger (387 Occurrences)
... or vindictive personal feeling. The anger of God is the response of His holiness
to outbreaking sin. Particularly when it culminates ...
/a/anger.htm - 54k

Omnipotence (2 Occurrences)
... His omnipotence. Under this head especially God's nature as Spirit and
His holiness come under consideration. The representation ...
/o/omnipotence.htm - 24k

Defilement (12 Occurrences)
... common among many nations in some form, the Divine purpose was clearly to impress
deeply and indelibly on the Israelites the ideas of holiness and sacredness ...
/d/defilement.htm - 21k

Light (2869 Occurrences)
... 2. A Comprehensive Term (1) Natural Light (2) Artificial Light (3) Miraculous Light
(4) Mental, Moral, Spiritual Light 3. An Attribute of Holiness (1) God (2 ...
/l/light.htm - 31k

Defile (63 Occurrences)
... common among many nations in some form, the Divine purpose was clearly to impress
deeply and indelibly on the Israelites the ideas of holiness and sacredness ...
/d/defile.htm - 38k

Immaculate
... at conception and carried on throughout the life is an utter impossibility, for
the Holy Spirit does not work impersonally, and miraculous holiness which is ...
/i/immaculate.htm - 16k

Conception (6 Occurrences)
... at conception and carried on throughout the life is an utter impossibility, for
the Holy Spirit does not work impersonally, and miraculous holiness which is ...
/c/conception.htm - 19k

Beauty (98 Occurrences)
... be conducted. Beauty of form and color and harmony of sound were then and
there integrated-made one-with worship in holiness. The ...
/b/beauty.htm - 45k

Liberty (32 Occurrences)
... state. In a positive respect, it consists in the possession of holiness,
with the will and ability to do what is right and good. ...
/l/liberty.htm - 20k

What is the Holiness movement / church? | GotQuestions.org

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What does the Bible say about holiness? What does it mean to be holy? | GotQuestions.org

Holiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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