ἅγιος – Pronunciation Guide: hag’-ee-os (emphasis on first syllable)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G40: Set apart, sacred, holy. Describes something or someone separated from common use and dedicated to God, possessing the very character and nature of God Himself. The word conveys both the state of being consecrated and the transformative process of becoming holy.
Word Study
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Language Origin: Proto-Indo-European *yag- (“to worship, revere”)
- Hebrew Equivalent: קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh)
Morphology:
- ἅγιος (hagios) – holy, set apart (masculine singular)
- ἁγία (hagia) – holy, set apart (feminine singular)
- ἅγιον (hagion) – holy, set apart (neuter singular)
- ἅγιοι (hagioi) – holy ones, saints (masculine plural)
Word Origin & History
The concept of ἅγιος emerged from ancient Greek religious contexts where it described objects, places, or persons exclusively dedicated to divine purposes. In classical Greek literature, Herodotus used it to describe temples and sacred precincts, while Plato employed it in discussions of divine purity in “The Republic.”
Unlike its pagan usage, the Septuagint transformed ἅγιος by using it to translate the Hebrew קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh), infusing it with the unique Hebraic understanding of holiness as both moral purity and consecration to יהוה (Yahweh).
Biblical Usage
In the New Testament, ἅγιος appears 229 times, with remarkable theological depth. The word describes the Holy Spirit, believers (saints), sacred objects, and divine attributes. Its usage creates a theological framework connecting God’s intrinsic holiness with His people’s calling to reflect His character.
Key Passages:
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 – The fundamental call to holiness
- Ephesians 1:4 – Believers chosen to be holy
- Revelation 4:8 – The thrice-holy proclamation
Cultural Insights
In the first-century Mediterranean world, holiness was often associated with ritual purity and separation. However, the New Testament revolutionized this concept by emphasizing transformative holiness that engages culture while remaining undefiled. The early church’s use of ἅγιος for all believers (saints) was radical, suggesting that holiness was not reserved for an elite spiritual class.
Theological Significance
The word ἅγιος reveals God’s nature and His purpose for humanity. It demonstrates that holiness is both His essential character and His gift to His people. This dual aspect shows that true holiness is not merely behavioral modification but a supernatural transformation.
Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers participate in divine holiness, fulfilling God’s original creation purpose. This participation marks the restoration of humanity to its intended glory, pointing forward to the ultimate consummation when all things will be made holy.
Personal Application
Understanding ἅγιος challenges believers to view holiness not as a burden but as a privilege of participation in God’s nature. It invites us to daily consecration, asking: “How can my ordinary activities become sacred through dedication to God?” This perspective transforms mundane tasks into worship opportunities.
Related Words
- καθαρός (katharos) – clean, pure – See G2513
- ἁγιάζω (hagiazō) – to sanctify – See G37
- ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos) – sanctification – See G38
- ἁγιωσύνη (hagiōsynē) – holiness – See G42
Did you Know?
- The word ἅγιος is used in modern Greek Orthodox Church architecture to designate the sanctuary area.
- Early Christian manuscripts used the nomina sacra ΑΓ to abbreviate ἅγιος, showing its special significance.
- The English word “hagiography” (writing about saints’ lives) derives from ἅγιος.
Remember This
Holiness is not just what we’re called to do—it’s who we’re created to be.
