### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term hágion (`{{G39}}`) is the neuter singular form of the adjective hágios (`{{G40}}`), meaning "holy," "set apart," or "sacred." As a neuter substantive, hágion refers to "a holy thing" or, more frequently in the New Testament, "a holy place" or "sanctuary." Its semantic range encompasses the sacred spaces within the Tabernacle and Temple, specifically the "Holy Place" (the outer compartment) and the "Most Holy Place" (the inner sanctuary, also known as the Holy of Holies). The definition "holiest (of all)" directly points to the latter, often rendered from the plural of intensity, tá hágia tōn hagíōn (literally "the holies of holies"). Thus, hágion designates a consecrated space reserved for divine presence or sacred rituals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hágion (`{{G39}}`) appears prominently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels when referring to the Jerusalem Temple, in Acts, and most significantly in the Epistle to the Hebrews.
In the Gospels, it often refers to the Temple as a sacred site. For instance, in [[Matthew 24:15]], Jesus speaks of the "abomination of desolation standing in the holy place," clearly indicating the Temple precincts. Similarly, [[Acts 6:13]] records false witnesses accusing Stephen of speaking "blasphemous words against this holy place and the law," again referring to the Temple.
However, it is in the Epistle to the Hebrews that hágion receives its most profound theological development. Here, it is consistently used to describe the earthly Tabernacle and its two main compartments, which serve as a type or shadow of a greater, heavenly reality. [[Hebrews 9:1-2]] describes the first section of the Tabernacle as the "Holy Place" (tò hágion), where the lampstand, table, and showbread were located. [[Hebrews 9:3]] then introduces the second veil, behind which was the "Most Holy Place" (tá hágia tōn hagíōn), containing the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant. This distinction is crucial for understanding the limitations of the Old Covenant system.
Crucially, Hebrews then contrasts this earthly hágion with the "true tent" or "true sanctuary" in heaven, where Christ serves as High Priest ([[Hebrews 8:2]]). The ultimate significance of hágion is revealed in [[Hebrews 10:19]], where believers are given "boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus." This signifies the new and living way to God's presence, made possible by Christ's sacrifice.
### Related Words & Concepts
Hágion (`{{G39}}`) is intrinsically linked to a family of Greek words centered on the concept of holiness and separation unto God:
* Hágios (`{{G40}}`): The adjective "holy," from which hágion is derived. This is the root concept, denoting that which is set apart for God's exclusive use or possession.
* Hagiazō (`{{G37}}`): The verb "to sanctify" or "to make holy," indicating the process of consecration.
* Hagiasmos (`{{G38}}`): The noun "sanctification" or "holiness," referring to the state of being made holy.
Other related terms that describe sacred spaces include:
* Hieros (`{{G2411}}`): An adjective meaning "sacred" or "holy," often pertaining to things or places dedicated to deity.
* Hieron (`{{G2410}}`): A noun referring to the entire "temple" complex, including its courts.
* Naos (`{{G3485}}`): A noun referring specifically to the inner sanctuary of the Temple, the dwelling place of God. While hágion often specifies the inner compartments, naos typically refers to the structure itself.
Concepts closely associated with hágion include purity, consecration, atonement, and access to God, all of which are transformed and fulfilled in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hágion (`{{G39}}`) is profound, particularly as expounded in the Epistle to the Hebrews. In the Old Covenant, the earthly hágion—the Tabernacle and later the Temple—represented God's dwelling place among His people. However, it also served as a stark reminder of the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The Most Holy Place was veiled, accessible only to the High Priest, and only once a year, with the blood of animal sacrifices ([[Hebrews 9:7]]). This limited access underscored the inability of the Law and animal sacrifices to truly cleanse sins and provide full fellowship with God.
The New Testament, through Christ, radically reinterprets the hágion. Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, did not enter an earthly hágion, but the true, heavenly hágion—God's very presence ([[Hebrews 9:24]]). He entered not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([[Hebrews 9:12]]). This singular, perfect sacrifice fulfilled and superseded all the Old Covenant rituals associated with the earthly hágion.
The tearing of the Temple veil at Christ's death ([[Matthew 27:51]]) powerfully symbolized the new access to God's presence that Christ inaugurated. Through His atoning work, the barrier that separated humanity from the Most Holy God was removed. Believers are now invited to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" into the hágion ([[Hebrews 10:22]]), which is now understood as the spiritual reality of God's immediate presence. This transformation from a physical, restricted space to a spiritual, accessible reality through Christ is central to Christian theology.
### Summary
Hágion (`{{G39}}`), the neuter form of hágios (`{{G40}}`), primarily denotes a "holy thing" or, more commonly in the New Testament, a "holy place" or "sanctuary." It refers specifically to the sacred compartments of the Tabernacle and Temple, namely the "Holy Place" and the "Most Holy Place" (Holy of Holies). While initially representing God's dwelling and the separation between God and humanity under the Old Covenant, its theological significance is profoundly reinterpreted in the Epistle to the Hebrews. There, hágion points to the heavenly sanctuary, which Christ entered by His own blood, providing believers with direct, unhindered access to God's presence. Thus, hágion transitions from a physical barrier to a spiritual pathway, symbolizing the new covenant reality of intimacy with God through Jesus Christ.
TRV