The Language of Holiness in the Bible

The English terms “holy” and “holiness” translate the biblical Hebrew word group קדשׁ (qdsh), which includes the following terms:

• קָדַשׁ (qadash), meaning “it is holy”

• קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh), referring to something “holy”

• קָדֵשׁ (qadesh), which can serve as a place name, such as “sanctuary,” or refer to an individual dedicated to prostitution

• קָדושׁ (qadwsh), meaning “holy”

• מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash), meaning “sanctuary”

The Septuagint usually translates the Hebrew terms for “holy” with some form of the ἅγ (hag)-root. Thus, wherever the Hebrew Bible uses the קדשׁ (qdsh) word group, the Septuagint uses Greek terms like “holy” (ἅγιος, hagios) or “to be holy” (ἁγιάζειν, hagiazein). The New Testament also uses the ἅγ (hag)-root to communicate the concept of holiness, especially when referencing the Old Testament background. Since the New Testament depends on the language of holiness in the Old Testament, most holiness scholarship has primarily focused on the Old Testament. Consequently, it is important to examine the ancient Near Eastern background of biblical holiness by looking at the literature of the ancient world.