Holiness
Category
God's Nature & Attributes
Biblical Definition
God's absolute moral purity and His utter otherness, by which He is uniquely set apart from all creation and from all evil.
Origin(s)
Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ; Greek: ἁγιωσύνη / ἅγιος
Transliteration
qōdeš; hagiōsynē; hagios
Literal meaning
holiness, sanctity; holiness; holy, set apart
Key Scripture(s)
Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 6:3; Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8
Theological Significance
Holiness is foundational to the doctrine of God because it qualifies every divine attribute. God's love is holy love, His justice is holy justice, and His presence exposes and judges sin while also consecrating His people.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Holiness is not mere distance, severity, or ceremonial strictness. In Scripture it includes God's majestic otherness and perfect moral purity.
Practical Application
Meditating on God's holiness produces reverence, repentance, careful worship, and a renewed desire to be holy as His people.