### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun hagiōsýnē (`{{G42}}`) is derived from the adjective hagios (`{{G40}}`), meaning "holy," "set apart," or "sacred." As an abstract noun, hagiōsýnē specifically denotes the *quality* or *state* of being holy, sacredness, or holiness. It emphasizes the inherent attribute or characteristic of being consecrated and distinct for divine purposes. Unlike hagiasmos (`{{G38}}`), which often refers to the *process* of sanctification or the *result* of being made holy, hagiōsýnē highlights the intrinsic nature or qualitative essence of holiness itself. It describes a state of moral and spiritual purity, a separation from the profane and a dedication to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
hagiōsýnē appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
* **[[Romans 1:4]]**: "and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Here, "Spirit of holiness" (πνεῦμα ἁγιωσύνης) refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His essential nature as holy, or perhaps the Spirit as the source and principle of divine holiness. This phrase underscores the divine, set-apart, and morally perfect nature of Christ's Sonship, powerfully affirmed through His resurrection. The hagiōsýnē of the Spirit is the very quality that defines and empowers Christ's unique identity.
* **[[2 Corinthians 7:1]]**: "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." In this hortatory context, "perfecting holiness" (ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην) refers to the believer's active and ongoing pursuit of ethical and spiritual purity. It implies a progressive work, a qualitative growth in sacredness, driven by reverence for God. Believers are called to cultivate the *quality* of holiness in their lives, moving towards full conformity to God's character.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 3:13]]**: "so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." Here, "blameless in holiness" (ἀμέμπτους ἐν ἁγιωσύνῃ) describes the desired eschatological state of the believers' hearts. It speaks to a settled, unblemished quality of sacredness or moral uprightness, a state of being fully consecrated to God. This verse highlights the ultimate goal of sanctification: to be found holy and blameless at Christ's return, a qualitative state of heart before God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **hagios (`{{G40}}`)**: The foundational word, meaning "holy," "set apart," or "sacred." hagiōsýnē describes the quality of being hagios.
* **hagiasmos (`{{G38}}`)**: Often translated as "sanctification" or "holiness," referring to the *process* of being made holy or the *resultant state* of being sanctified. While closely related, hagiōsýnē tends to emphasize the inherent *quality* or *attribute*, whereas hagiasmos can emphasize the *act* or *process*.
* **hagiotes (`{{G41}}`)**: Also meaning "holiness" or "sanctity." Scholars sometimes distinguish it from hagiōsýnē by suggesting hagiotes refers more to intrinsic purity or divine holiness, while hagiōsýnē can also encompass the manifest quality of holiness in believers. The distinctions are subtle and often debated.
* **qodesh (`{{H6944}}`)**: The primary Hebrew term for "holiness," "sacredness," or "consecration," carrying the fundamental idea of separation for divine use.
* **Separation/Consecration**: The core concept underpinning all these terms, signifying a setting apart from common use for God's exclusive purposes.
* **Purity/Righteousness**: Ethical and moral dimensions inherently linked to holiness in both testaments, as God's holiness demands purity from His people.
### Theological Significance
The term hagiōsýnē carries profound theological significance, encompassing both divine attributes and human responsibility:
* **Divine Attribute and Christ's Nature**: In [[Romans 1:4]], hagiōsýnē describes a fundamental attribute of the Holy Spirit and, by extension, of God Himself. God's holiness is His absolute distinctness, moral perfection, and inherent purity. The "Spirit of holiness" also points to the divine, consecrated nature of Jesus Christ, whose resurrection powerfully affirmed His Sonship and unique sacredness. Christ's identity is intrinsically tied to this quality of ultimate holiness.
* **Believer's Progressive Pursuit**: The occurrences in [[2 Corinthians 7:1]] and [[1 Thessalonians 3:13]] highlight the ethical and spiritual demand placed upon believers. hagiōsýnē is not merely an imputed status but a qualitative transformation and an ongoing, active pursuit. Believers are called to "perfect holiness" and to be "blameless in holiness." This involves active cleansing from defilement (both flesh and spirit) and a progressive conformity to God's character, driven by a reverent fear of God. It signifies a life increasingly dedicated and set apart for Him.
* **Eschatological Hope and Preparation**: The mention in [[1 Thessalonians 3:13]] connects hagiōsýnē with the Lord's return, indicating that a life of increasing holiness prepares believers for Christ's glorious appearing. It underscores the ultimate goal of sanctification: to be found holy and blameless before God at the Parousia, a state of heart fully consecrated and acceptable to Him. This future hope serves as a powerful motivation for present pursuit of holiness.
### Summary
hagiōsýnē (`{{G42}}`) is a rich Greek term denoting the intrinsic quality or state of "holiness" or "sacredness." Derived from hagios (`{{G40}}`), it emphasizes the characteristic of being set apart for God's purposes. Its three New Testament occurrences reveal its profound theological depth: it describes the essential nature of the Holy Spirit and Christ's divine Sonship ([[Romans 1:4]]), underscoring God's absolute purity. Crucially, it also highlights the believer's active, progressive pursuit of moral and spiritual purity ([[2 Corinthians 7:1]]) and their ultimate blamelessness before God at Christ's return ([[1 Thessalonians 3:13]]). Thus, hagiōsýnē encapsulates both God's inherent perfection and the believer's call to a consecrated life, culminating in full conformity to His sacred character and preparing them for His glorious appearing.
TRV