The Meaning of the Term "Holy"

This academic paper will give a detailed definition of the term ‘holy’ and discuss the irrational factor in the idea of the term.

‘Holy’ refers to the divine, that which has its sanctity directly from God or is connected with Him or something devoted entirely to the deity or the work of the deity. Something that is sacred accepted and entitled to religious veneration or spiritual.

The idea of “holy” is important for an understanding of God, of worship, and of the people of God in the Bible. Holy has four distinct meanings. First is “to be set apart.” This applies to places where God is present, like the Temple and the tabernacle, and to things and persons related to those holy places or to God Himself. Next, it means to be “perfect, transcendent, or spiritually pure, evoking adoration and reverence.” This applies primarily to God, but secondarily to saints or godly people. Next, it means something or someone who evokes “veneration or awe, being frightening beyond belief.” This is clearly the application to God and is the primary meaning of “holy.” It is continued in the last definition, “filled with superhuman and potential fatal power.” This speaks of God, but also of places or things or persons which have been set apart by God's presence.

When we use the word ‘holy’, we usually associate it with righteousness. ‘Holy’ literally means "to be set apart for a special purpose"(Deut 23:17). Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (2006:778) defines Holy as “connected to God and Religion.” Israel was ‘holy’ because they were separated from the other nations as servants of God. The furnishings in the tabernacle were ‘holy’ as they were not to be used for anything except for the work in the tabernacle. While we may not think of ourselves as "holy" we are in fact set apart from the world to be God's servants and representatives.

In Genesis we read that the seventh day is "holy" (Gen 2:3 ). In Old Testament times what was ‘holy’ belonged to the gods in an absolute...