The meaning of “ἁγιάζω”
Understanding hagiázō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
hallow, be holy, sanctify. - to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate - (mentally) to venerate
ἁγιάζω
hallow, be holy, sanctify. - to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate - (mentally) to venerate
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 23:17 | “Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?” Word: ἁγιάζω (hagiázō) | |
| John 17:17 | “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Word: ἁγιάζω (hagiázō) | |
| Romans 15:16 | “That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” Word: ἁγιάζω (hagiázō) | |
| Ephesians 5:26 | “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” Word: ἁγιάζω (hagiázō) | |
| 1 Timothy 4:5 | “For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” Word: ἁγιάζω (hagiázō) |
Theological Word Study: Sanctify
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To set apart, make holy
The Hebrew qadash (קָדַשׁ) means to set apart or consecrate—separating something for God's sacred purposes. God sanctified the seventh day (Genesis 2:3) and calls His people to 'be holy; for I am holy' (Leviticus 11:44).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To sanctify, make holy
The Greek hagiazo (ἁγιάζω) means to sanctify or make holy—setting apart for God. Christ sanctifies believers: 'by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all' (Hebrews 10:10).