### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἱερός (hierós, `{{G2413}}`) fundamentally denotes that which is "sacred," "holy," or "consecrated." It describes something set apart for divine use, belonging to a deity, or imbued with a special sanctity. Unlike ἅγιος (hagios, `{{G40}}`), which often emphasizes moral purity, separation *by* God, and dedication *to* God for His purposes, hierós tends to describe the *inherent* or *designated* sacredness of a place, object, or institution. It pertains more to the cultic, ritual, or institutional aspect of holiness, signifying a connection to the divine sphere, often in a tangible or spatial sense. Its semantic range thus covers things that are revered, hallowed, or dedicated to religious service.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hierós (`{{G2413}}`) appears relatively infrequently in the New Testament, though its cognates (like ἱερόν (hieron, `{{G2411}}`) for the Temple) are common. Its most notable occurrences illuminate its core meaning:
* **Sacred Services/Temple:** In [[1 Corinthians 9:13]], Paul asks, "Do you not know that those who are employed in the sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend to the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?" Here, ἱερῶν (hierōn), the genitive plural of hierós, refers to the "sacred things" or "sacred services" associated with the Temple cult. This usage highlights the ritual and institutional holiness of the Mosaic Law's provisions for priests.
* **Sacred Writings:** Perhaps the most significant use of hierós is found in [[2 Timothy 3:15]]: "and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." The phrase ἱερὰ γράμματα (hiera grammata, "sacred writings") unequivocally refers to the Old Testament Scriptures. This designation underscores the divine origin, authority, and unique status of these texts. They are not merely human literature but are set apart and consecrated by God Himself, serving as the foundational revelation that leads to salvation. This application elevates the Scriptures to a unique position of holiness.
In both contexts, hierós points to something divinely designated or set apart, whether it be the ritual practices of the Temple or the inspired Word of God. It emphasizes the objective sacredness of these entities.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding hierós (`{{G2413}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship with other terms in the Greek lexicon:
* **ἅγιος (hagios, `{{G40}}`):** As mentioned, this is the most common word for "holy" in the New Testament. While hierós often describes *what* is sacred (e.g., a place, an object), hagios more frequently describes *who* is holy (God, Christ, believers) and the moral purity or ethical separation involved. hagios emphasizes dedication *to* God and separation *from* sin, while hierós often highlights the inherent or designated sacredness, especially in a cultic or institutional sense. The Temple was hierós (sacred place), but God dwelling within it was hagios (holy being).
* **ἱερόν (hieron, `{{G2411}}`):** This noun, directly derived from hierós, specifically refers to the "Temple" as a sacred place. It is used extensively in the Gospels and Acts to denote the Jerusalem Temple complex.
* **ἱερεύς (hiereus, `{{G2409}}`):** "Priest," one who performs sacred rites.
* **ἱερατεία (hierateia, `{{G2406}}`):** "Priesthood," the sacred office.
* **ἱερουργέω (hierourgeō, `{{G2418}}`):** "To minister in a sacred office," to perform sacred service.
* **ἁγνός (hagnos, `{{G53}}`):** "Pure," "chaste," often emphasizing internal purity or ceremonial cleanness.
* **ὅσιος (hosios, `{{G3741}}`):** "Pious," "righteous," "devout," often pertaining to one's conduct in relation to divine law or duty.
The Hebrew concept of קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh, `{{H6942}}`), "holy," underlies much of the Old Testament understanding of sacredness, encompassing both separation and dedication, which finds echoes in both hierós and hagios.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hierós (`{{G2413}}`) lies in its affirmation of divine presence, authority, and the distinction between the sacred and the profane.
* **Divine Presence and Ownership:** The designation of something as hierós signifies that it belongs to God or is a place where His presence is uniquely manifested. The Temple, as hieron, was sacred because it was the dwelling place of God's presence and the locus of His prescribed worship.
* **Authority and Revelation of Scripture:** The application of hierós to the "sacred writings" ([[2 Timothy 3:15]]) is profoundly significant. It establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the Old Testament, affirming its status as God's inspired word. This designation elevates the Scriptures beyond mere human wisdom, presenting them as a unique and set-apart revelation from God, capable of imparting wisdom for salvation.
* **Continuity and Transformation:** While hierós is used for the physical Temple and its services, the New Covenant introduces a transformation. The ultimate hierós is found in Christ and His new spiritual reality. Believers themselves become the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([[1 Corinthians 6:19]]), a living, spiritual sacred space. This shift moves the locus of sacredness from physical structures to the regenerated community of God's people, though the foundational "sacred writings" remain a constant source of divine truth.
* **Distinction and Reverence:** The concept inherent in hierós reinforces the fundamental distinction between the divine and the human, the holy and the common. It calls for reverence and awe towards that which God has set apart for Himself.
### Summary
ἱερός (hierós, `{{G2413}}`) signifies that which is sacred, set apart, or belonging to the divine realm, often with an emphasis on its external, cultic, or designated status. In the New Testament, its primary applications are to the "sacred services" of the Temple ([[1 Corinthians 9:13]]) and, most notably, to the "sacred writings" (hieros grammata) of the Old Testament ([[2 Timothy 3:15]]). While distinct from ἅγιος (hagios, `{{G40}}`), which emphasizes moral purity and dedication, hierós underscores the inherent or designated sacredness of places, objects, or texts due to their direct connection with God. Theologically, hierós points to divine ownership, the authoritative nature of God's revealed Word, and the critical distinction between the sacred and the profane, a distinction ultimately fulfilled and transformed in the New Covenant through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
TRV