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    Holy

    קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh)

    Set apart, sacred, and morally pure — the defining attribute of God.

    Hebrew
    Strong's G40
    Pronunciation: kah-DOSH
    Quick Answer

    Qadosh is the Hebrew word for holy, meaning 'set apart' or 'sacred.' It is God's most fundamental attribute, describing His absolute purity, moral perfection, and transcendent otherness.

    "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." — Isaiah 6:3 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Isaiah 6:3

    “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
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    Leviticus 19:2

    “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.”
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    1 Peter 1:16

    “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G40 — Holy (קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh) appears.

    Open Strong's G40

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Qadosh derives from a root meaning 'to cut' or 'to separate.' It conveys the idea of being set apart from the ordinary and common. When applied to God, qadosh describes His utter distinctness from creation — He is wholly other, transcendent in purity, power, and perfection. It is the only divine attribute repeated three times in succession (Isaiah 6:3).

    God's Holiness in the Old Testament

    God's holiness permeates the Mosaic law. The distinction between clean and unclean, the elaborate sacrificial system, and the design of the tabernacle all point to a holy God who cannot coexist casually with sin. When Uzzah touched the ark, he died (2 Samuel 6:7). When Isaiah saw the Lord in His holiness, he cried out in terror (Isaiah 6:5).

    Called to Be Holy

    God commands His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16). For Israel, this meant ritual purity and moral obedience. For believers in Christ, holiness is both positional (set apart in Christ) and progressive (growing in Christlikeness through the Spirit's sanctifying work).

    Holiness and Worship

    True worship is a response to God's holiness. The seraphim cover their faces before Him (Isaiah 6:2). The heavenly beings ceaselessly declare 'Holy, holy, holy' (Revelation 4:8). When believers grasp God's holiness, it produces reverence, humility, repentance, and transformative awe.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does holy mean in the Bible?

    Holy (qadosh) means set apart, sacred, and morally pure. It describes God's absolute perfection and the call for His people to live distinctly from the world.

    Why is holiness important?

    Holiness is God's defining attribute — it shapes everything about His character and His expectations for His people. Without holiness, no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Holy"?

    Isaiah 6:3 — "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory" (KJV). It also appears in Leviticus 19:2, 1 Peter 1:16.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Holy" matter?

    Qadosh derives from a root meaning 'to cut' or 'to separate.' It conveys the idea of being set apart from the ordinary and common. English uses one word, "Holy", where the Hebrew קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh) carries the fuller sense: set apart, sacred, and morally pure — the defining attribute of god.

    Related Words

    Glory
    Sanctification
    Consecration
    Righteousness

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Holy (קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) / ἅγιος (Hagios))

    Set apart, sacred, morally pure; distinct from the common

    Strong's

    Strong's G40 — Holy

    קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) / ἅγιος (Hagios) • Set apart, sacred, morally pure; distinct from the common

    Commentary

    Leviticus 19:2 Commentary

    In-depth study • Holiness

    Word Meaning

    Light (אוֹר (Or) / φῶς (Phōs))

    A symbol of God's presence, truth, holiness, and salvation

    Prayer

    Prayer for Holiness

    Being set apart for God's purposes.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)

    Life, atonement, and covenant with God.

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