### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb hagiázō (`{{G37}}`) is derived from the adjective hagios (`{{G40}}`), meaning "holy" or "set apart." At its core, hagiázō signifies "to make holy," "to consecrate," or "to set apart for God's purposes." Its semantic range encompasses several key aspects:
1. **Ceremonial Consecration/Purification:** This refers to the act of dedicating a person, object, or place to God, thereby rendering it sacred and fit for divine use. It often involves a process of purification to remove defilement, making something ritually clean and acceptable for worship or service.
2. **Moral/Spiritual Sanctification:** Beyond mere ritual, hagiázō also describes the process by which individuals are made morally pure and separated from sin unto God. This involves an internal transformation, aligning one's character and conduct with God's holiness.
3. **Veneration/Reverence:** In some contexts, it can mean to treat something as holy, to revere or hallow it, as seen in the petition "Hallowed be your name" in [[Matthew 6:9]]. This reflects an attitude of profound respect and honor towards that which is divine.
The word therefore captures both the act of setting apart *by* God and the resultant state of being set apart *for* God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb hagiázō appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating various dimensions of sanctification.
* **God as the Sanctifier:** God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate agent of sanctification. In [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]], Paul prays, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely." This highlights God's sovereign initiative in setting His people apart. Similarly, in [[Hebrews 2:11]], both the "sanctifier" (Christ) and the "sanctified" (believers) are "all of one source," emphasizing their shared divine origin.
* **Christ as the Means of Sanctification:** Jesus Christ is central to the process of sanctification. His sacrificial death is the basis for our holiness. [[Hebrews 10:10]] declares, "By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." His blood purifies and consecrates us. Furthermore, in [[John 17:19]], Jesus prays, "And for their sake I consecrate Myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth." Here, Christ's self-consecration serves as the pattern and power for His disciples' sanctification.
* **Sanctification by the Word and Spirit:** The truth of God's Word is a primary instrument of sanctification. Jesus prays in [[John 17:17]], "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth." The Holy Spirit also plays a crucial role in applying the truth and empowering believers for holy living, as indicated in [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]] where believers are chosen "for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth."
* **Sanctification of Things:** Beyond people, hagiázō is used for the consecration of objects or practices. Food, for instance, is "sanctified by the word of God and prayer" ([[1 Timothy 4:5]]), meaning it is set apart and made acceptable for consumption by believers. The marriage bed is also described as "undefiled" ([[Hebrews 13:4]]), implying its sanctified status.
* **Positional and Progressive Sanctification:** The New Testament presents sanctification as both a completed act and an ongoing process. Believers are declared "sanctified" *in Christ* at conversion ([[1 Corinthians 1:2]], [[1 Corinthians 6:11]]), reflecting their new status before God. Simultaneously, they are called to *pursue* holiness and grow in sanctification ([[Hebrews 12:14]]), indicating a lifelong process of conforming to Christ's image.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of hagiázō is enriched by understanding its lexical family and related theological concepts:
* **hagios (holy, sacred, set apart, `{{G40}}`):** This is the root adjective from which hagiázō is derived. It fundamentally denotes separation from the common or profane and dedication to God.
* **hagiasmos (sanctification, holiness, `{{G38}}`):** This noun refers to the state of being sanctified or the process of becoming holy. It often describes the practical outworking of holiness in a believer's life.
* **hagnos (pure, chaste, `{{G53}}`):** While hagios emphasizes separation *to* God, hagnos often highlights the internal purity and moral blamelessness that results from sanctification.
* **katharizō (to cleanse, purify, `{{G2511}}`):** This verb often precedes or accompanies hagiázō, as ritual or moral cleansing is frequently a prerequisite for consecration or sanctification.
* **Old Testament Equivalent (qadash, `{{H6942}}`):** In the Septuagint (LXX), hagiázō frequently translates the Hebrew verb qadash, which carries the same core meaning of "to set apart," "to make holy," or "to consecrate." This continuity underscores the consistent biblical theme of God's holiness and His desire to set apart a people for Himself.
### Theological Significance
The concept of hagiázō is profoundly significant in biblical theology, touching upon the very nature of God and His redemptive purposes.
1. **God's Holiness:** The call to be sanctified (hagiázō) flows directly from God's own intrinsic holiness. As He is holy, He desires His people to reflect His character ([[1 Peter 1:15-16]]).
2. **Redemptive Purpose:** Sanctification is an integral part of God's plan of salvation. It is not merely an add-on but essential for fellowship with a holy God. Through Christ, believers are not only justified (declared righteous) but also sanctified (made holy and set apart).
3. **Trinitarian Work:** Sanctification is a work of the triune God. The Father sets apart ([[1 Thessalonians 5:23]]), the Son provides the basis and example ([[Hebrews 10:10]], [[John 17:19]]), and the Holy Spirit empowers and applies it in the believer's life ([[2 Thessalonians 2:13]]).
4. **Transformation and Purpose:** Sanctification involves a real, ongoing transformation of character, leading to practical righteousness. It enables believers to live lives pleasing to God, to serve Him effectively, and to manifest His glory in the world. It is a separation *from* sin and *to* God for His purposes.
5. **Ethical Implications:** The call to be sanctified carries significant ethical weight, urging believers to pursue purity, righteousness, and obedience in all areas of life, reflecting their new identity in Christ.
### Summary
The Greek verb hagiázō (`{{G37}}`) fundamentally means "to make holy" or "to set apart." It encompasses both the ceremonial act of consecrating something or someone to God and the moral and spiritual transformation by which individuals are made pure and dedicated to Him. This sanctification is a divine work initiated by the Father, accomplished through the sacrifice of the Son, and applied by the Holy Spirit through the truth of God's Word. It involves both a definitive, positional setting apart of believers in Christ and a progressive, ongoing process of growth in holiness throughout their lives. Hagiázō` is central to God's redemptive plan, enabling His people to reflect His character and live in devoted fellowship with Him.
TRV