### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hagiōsýnē**, represented by `{{G42}}`, denotes the quality of **holiness**. Derived from `{{G40}}` **hágios**, its core definition is "sacredness." It is a specific term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its focused significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{G42}}` illustrate its role in both divine identity and the believer's life. In [[Romans 1:4]], Jesus is declared the Son of God with power according to the "spirit of **holiness**," linking the term to his divine nature and resurrection. For believers, it is presented as a goal to be achieved; [[2 Corinthians 7:1]] calls them to cleanse themselves from all **filthiness** `{{G3436}}` of flesh and spirit, "perfecting **holiness** in the fear of God." Furthermore, [[1 Thessalonians 3:13]] expresses the hope that God will establish believers' hearts **unblameable** `{{G273}}` in **holiness** at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the concept of **holiness**:
* `{{G40}}` **hágios**: The root word for `{{G42}}`, meaning "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint." It is used to describe the **saints** who will accompany Christ at his coming [[1 Thessalonians 3:13]].
* `{{G273}}` **ámemptos**: Meaning "irreproachable:--blameless, faultless, unblamable," it describes the state that results from being established in **holiness** [[1 Thessalonians 3:13]].
* `{{G2005}}` **epiteléō**: This word means "to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo:--accomplish, do, finish, (make) (perfect), perform(X -ance)." It emphasizes the active process believers undertake in "perfecting" **holiness** in their lives [[2 Corinthians 7:1]].
* `{{G3436}}` **molysmós**: Defined as "a stain; i.e. (figuratively) immorality:--filthiness," this term represents what must be cleansed away to achieve **holiness** [[2 Corinthians 7:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G42}}` is significant despite its infrequent use. It defines a core aspect of both God's nature and the Christian's calling.
* **A Mark of Divine Nature:** **Holiness** is presented as an essential quality of the divine. The "spirit of **holiness**" is integral to the declaration of Christ as the Son of God, tying it to his resurrection and **power** `{{G1411}}` [[Romans 1:4]].
* **The Process of Sanctification:** It is the objective of the believer's spiritual life. The call is to be "perfecting **holiness**" by actively cleansing oneself from spiritual and physical **filthiness** `{{G3436}}`, motivated by a reverential **fear** `{{G5401}}` of God [[2 Corinthians 7:1]].
* **Required Eschatological State:** **Holiness** is the condition required to stand **unblameable** `{{G273}}` before God the Father. It is the quality that God works to **stablish** `{{G4741}}` in believers' hearts in preparation for the coming of Christ [[1 Thessalonians 3:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G42}}` **hagiōsýnē** is more than an abstract ideal; it is the essential quality of sacredness. It is an attribute of God's Spirit, a practical goal for the believer's life through cleansing and discipline, and the necessary condition for being found unblameable at Christ's return. Though rare, its usage provides a concise and powerful picture of the nature of true **holiness**.
TRV