What Does the Bible Say About Holiness?
What Does the Bible Say About Holiness? Holiness means being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His pure character, and growing in moral and spiritual purity through the Holy Spirit.
Key verse: 1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)
Holiness means being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His pure character, and growing in moral and spiritual purity through the Holy Spirit.
Holiness means being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His pure character, and growing in moral and spiritual purity through the Holy Spirit.
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." — 1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
God's fundamental command is 'Be ye holy; for I am holy' (1 Peter 1:16, quoting Leviticus 11:44). Holiness has two aspects: positional (believers are declared holy through Christ's sacrifice, Hebrews 10:10) and practical (believers actively pursue holy living, Hebrews 12:14). The Hebrew word 'qadosh' means 'set apart' or 'distinct.' God is supremely holy (Isaiah 6:3), and He calls His people to reflect His character. Practical holiness involves fleeing sin, renewing the mind (Romans 12:2), walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), and pursuing righteousness. Holiness is not about perfection but direction—progressive transformation into Christ's likeness. It is not joyless restriction but joyful freedom: 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty' (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The Holy Spirit?
What the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit, His work, and His role in the believer's life.
Key Scripture References
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ, separating them from sin and developing holiness in their character.
What Does the Bible Say About Obedience to God?
The Bible teaches that obedience to God is the truest expression of love for Him and the pathway to blessing, while disobedience leads to discipline and separation.
What Is the Fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit is the character produced in believers by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Holiness?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Holiness in the Bible?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
Bible Verses About Holiness
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About the Holiness of God
10 curated KJV verses
1 Corinthians 6:19 — Meaning & Devotional
Holiness
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Peter. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Peter on day 347 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Holiness?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.