### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hagiasmós**, represented by `{{G38}}`, denotes **purification**, a state of **purity**, or the process of **sanctification**. It appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses** in the Bible. The term fundamentally refers to a state of being set apart, translated as both **holiness** and **sanctification**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G38}}` is presented as both a divine action and a human pursuit. It is identified as the **will** `{{G2307}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}` for believers [[1 Thessalonians 4:3]] and a prerequisite for seeing the Lord [[Hebrews 12:14]]. Paul contrasts **holiness** with **uncleanness** `{{G167}}` [[1 Thessalonians 4:7]], explaining that believers are to yield their **members** `{{G3196}}` as servants to **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` which results in **holiness** [[Romans 6:19]]. This process bears **fruit** `{{G2590}}` unto **holiness**, with the ultimate end being **everlasting** `{{G166}}` **life** `{{G2222}}` [[Romans 6:22]]. It is also positioned as a core component of salvation, received through Christ who is made unto believers **sanctification** [[1 Corinthians 1:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and application of **sanctification**:
* `{{G1343}}` **dikaiosýnē** (righteousness): Defined as **equity** or **justification**, it is often presented as the path to **holiness**. Believers are to yield their members as servants to **righteousness** unto **holiness** [[Romans 6:19]], and it is a quality to be pursued alongside seeking God's kingdom [[Matthew 6:33]].
* `{{G167}}` **akatharsía** (uncleanness): Meaning **impurity**, this word is frequently set in direct opposition to **holiness**. God has called believers not to **uncleanness**, but unto **holiness** [[1 Thessalonians 4:7]]. Believers who were once servants to **uncleanness** are now to yield themselves to righteousness [[Romans 6:19]].
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (spirit): This term for a **spirit** is crucial, as **sanctification** is presented as a work of the **Spirit**. Believers are chosen for salvation through **sanctification** of the **Spirit** [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]] and are called unto **obedience** through the same process [[1 Peter 1:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G38}}` is central to the Christian life, marking the believer's progressive separation from sin and dedication to **God**.
* **The Will of God:** **Sanctification** is explicitly stated to be the **will** `{{G2307}}` of **God** for every believer, involving a call to **abstain** `{{G567}}` from moral impurity like **fornication** `{{G4202}}` [[1 Thessalonians 4:3]].
* **A Divine Gift:** Christ Jesus has been made unto believers **wisdom** `{{G4678}}`, **righteousness** `{{G1343}}`, **sanctification** `{{G38}}`, and **redemption** `{{G629}}` from **God** [[1 Corinthians 1:30]].
* **The Work of the Spirit:** The process of **sanctification** is not achieved by human effort alone but is a work of the **Spirit** `{{G4151}}`. Believers are chosen for **salvation** `{{G4991}}` through the **sanctification** of the **Spirit** and **belief** `{{G4102}}` of the **truth** `{{G225}}` [[2 Thessalonians 2:13]].
* **A Prerequisite for Fellowship:** A state of **holiness** is presented as essential for intimacy with **God**. Scripture states that **without** `{{G5565}}` **holiness**, no one will **see** `{{G3700}}` the Lord [[Hebrews 12:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G38}}` encapsulates the concept of being set apart for **God**. It is more than an abstract ideal; it is a practical state of **purity** and **holiness** that is part of God's **will** for believers. Achieved through the work of the **Spirit** and pursued through **obedience** `{{G5218}}` to **righteousness**, **sanctification** stands in stark contrast to **uncleanness** and is intrinsically linked to the believer's ultimate hope of seeing the Lord and inheriting **everlasting** **life**.
TRV