Holy
Holy means set apart from all that is common or defiled and devoted to God. In Scripture, the term especially describes God’s perfect purity, majesty, and moral perfection.
At a Glance
Holy means set apart from all that is common or defiled and devoted to God. In Scripture, the term especially describes God’s perfect purity, majesty, and moral perfection.
Description
Holy in Scripture carries the basic idea of being set apart, consecrated, and pure before God. Above all, holiness belongs to God himself: he is utterly distinct from his creation, completely free from sin, and perfect in righteousness, truth, and glory. Scripture also uses holy for persons, places, times, and things that are specially devoted to God’s purposes, not because they possess divine qualities in themselves, but because God has set them apart. Believers are called holy in Christ and are commanded to pursue holiness in daily life, reflecting God’s character through obedience, purity, and worship. The term therefore includes both separation unto God and moral purity, with God’s own holiness as the supreme and defining standard.