### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hágios**, represented by `{{G40}}`, is a foundational term meaning sacred, pure, morally blameless, or consecrated. It can refer to a **holy** one, thing, or a saint. It appears 229 times across 219 unique verses, indicating its significance in describing the character of God and the identity of His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, `{{G40}}` is applied in several distinct ways. Most frequently, it identifies the third person of the Trinity, the **Holy** Ghost or Spirit [[Matthew 28:19]]. This Spirit is the source of power for believers [[Acts 1:8]] and was sent as a Comforter [[John 14:26]]. The term is also used to describe God the Father as the **Holy** Father [[John 17:11]] and celestial beings as **holy** angels [[Luke 9:26]]. Believers themselves are called **saints** [[Ephesians 6:18]], a **holy** nation [[1 Peter 2:9]], and are commanded to be **holy** as God is **holy** [[1 Peter 1:15-16]]. The word can also refer to a sacred place, such as the **holy** place in the temple [[Matthew 24:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify and expand on the concept of holiness:
* `{{G38}}` **hagiasmós** (holiness, sanctification): This noun form describes the state of purity or the process of purification that makes one holy.
* `{{G299}}` **ámōmos** (without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblamable): Often paired with `{{G40}}`, this term describes the blameless state believers are chosen for before God [[Ephesians 1:4]] and the ultimate state of the church [[Ephesians 5:27]].
* `{{G1342}}` **díkaios** (just, meet, right(-eous)): This word, meaning righteous or equitable, is used in parallel with `{{G40}}` to describe a character that is in right standing, as seen in the call for the righteous to be righteous still and the **holy** to be **holy** still [[Revelation 22:11]].
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind): This word for "spirit" is frequently joined with **hágios** to form the title **Holy** Spirit, designating the divine person of God who anoints, fills, and empowers believers ([[Acts 10:38]], [[Acts 2:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{G40}}` is central to Christian doctrine. It defines the nature of God, the identity of believers, and the call to a consecrated life.
* **The Divine Nature:** The repeated description of the Spirit as **Holy**, the Father as **Holy**, and the declaration "**Holy**, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty" [[Revelation 4:8]] establishes absolute purity and sacredness as essential to God's character.
* **The Identity of the Saints:** Believers are called **saints** `{{G40}}`, not because of their own merit, but because they have been chosen by God [[Ephesians 1:4]], set apart as a **holy** nation [[1 Peter 2:9]], and made part of a **holy** priesthood [[1 Peter 2:5]].
* **The Call to Sanctification:** The term functions as a command. Believers are to present their bodies as a "living sacrifice, **holy** and acceptable unto God" [[Romans 12:1]]. This **holy** calling [[2 Timothy 1:9]] requires a life of purity that reflects the character of the One who called them [[1 Peter 1:15]].
* **The Work of the Holy Spirit:** The **Holy** Spirit is the agent of sanctification. Believers are born of the Spirit [[Titus 3:5]], filled with the Spirit [[Acts 2:4]], sealed by the Spirit [[Ephesians 1:13]], and empowered by the Spirit [[Acts 1:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G40}}` is far more than a word for religious ceremony. It is a defining attribute of God Himself, a conferred identity upon all who are in Christ, and a lifelong mandate for moral and spiritual purity. From the nature of the **Holy** Trinity to the daily conduct of the believer, **hágios** establishes the standard and the goal of the Christian faith: to be set apart for God's purposes.
TRV