or קָדֹשׁ; from קָדַשׁ; sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary; holy (One), saint.
Transliteration:qâdôwsh
Pronunciation:kaw-doshe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word qâdôwsh (`{{H6918}}`) derives from the verbal root qâdash (`{{H6942}}`), which means "to be holy," "to be set apart," or "to consecrate." The fundamental meaning of qâdôwsh is therefore "separation" or "distinction." This separation is not merely physical, but profoundly moral and ontological.
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Sacred or Set Apart:** Anything designated for a divine purpose or removed from common, profane use. This can be ceremonial, such as holy garments or holy ground.
* **Morally Pure:** Implies absolute moral blamelessness, righteousness, and utter purity, especially when applied to God.
* **As a Noun:**
* **God:** Most eminently, "The Holy One" (e.g., qâdôwsh Yisra'el - Holy One of Israel). This usage highlights His transcendence, infinite moral perfection, and absolute distinctness from His creation.
* **Angel:** Celestial beings who serve God and are inherently pure.
* **Saint/Consecrated Person:** Individuals or a community (Israel) set apart by God for His purposes, who are expected to reflect His holiness in their lives.
* **Sanctuary:** A holy place, such as the Tabernacle or Temple, dedicated to God's presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of qâdôwsh is pervasive throughout the Old Testament, illuminating various facets of holiness:
* **God's Holiness:** The most frequent and profound application. God is repeatedly referred to as "the Holy One of Israel" (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:4]], [[Psalm 71:22]]). This underscores His unique nature, His absolute moral perfection, and His utter separation from sin and impurity. His holiness serves as the ultimate standard for His creation. The seraphim in [[Isaiah 6:3]] declare, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"
* **People's Holiness:** Israel is called a "holy nation" (e.g., [[Exodus 19:6]]). This is a relational holiness, a calling to be set apart *for* God and to reflect His character. It demands both ceremonial purity and moral obedience (e.g., [[Leviticus 11:44]], [[Leviticus 19:2]], "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy."). Prophets frequently contrasted God's inherent qâdôwsh nature with the unholiness and moral failings of His chosen people.
* **Places and Objects:** The Tabernacle, Temple, and their furnishings are deemed qâdôwsh because they are consecrated for divine worship and are places where God's presence dwells (e.g., [[Exodus 28:2]], [[Leviticus 10:10]]). Moses is commanded to remove his sandals on "holy ground" (`{{H6918}}`) at the burning bush (e.g., [[Exodus 3:5]]).
* **Time:** Specific days, such as the Sabbath (e.g., [[Exodus 16:23]]), and festivals are declared qâdôwsh as times set apart for divine purposes and rest.
* **Angelic Beings:** Heavenly beings, like the seraphim in Isaiah's vision, are described as qâdôwsh due to their proximity to God and their inherent purity.
* **Prophets and Priests:** Individuals consecrated for special service to God, such as Elisha (e.g., [[2 Kings 4:9]]), are sometimes referred to as qâdôwsh due to their set-apart role.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of qâdôwsh is deeply interwoven with other theological terms and ideas:
* **qâdash (`{{H6942}}`):** The verbal root from which qâdôwsh derives, meaning "to be holy," "to set apart," or "to consecrate." This verb describes the act of making something holy or dedicating it to God.
* **qôdesh (`{{H6944}}`):** The noun for "holiness" or "sacredness," referring to the state or quality of being holy.
* **tâhôr (`{{H2889}}`):** Meaning "pure" or "clean." While related to ritual purity, qâdôwsh encompasses a broader and deeper sense of moral and ontological separation. One can be ritually tâhôr without fully embodying the moral qâdôwsh demanded by God. qâdôwsh often implies an inherent, intrinsic purity, particularly when applied to God.
* **nâzar (`{{H5144}}`):** To separate or consecrate oneself, as seen in the Nazirite vow, which involves a period of intense separation to God.
* **New Testament Parallel:** The Greek term hagios (`{{G40}}`) carries a remarkably similar semantic range, denoting that which is set apart for God, sacred, and morally pure, whether referring to God, believers, or sacred objects.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of qâdôwsh is profound and foundational to biblical theology:
* **God's Transcendence and Otherness:** The holiness of God is arguably His most fundamental attribute, emphasizing His absolute distinctness from creation and His utter moral perfection. He is entirely separate from sin and evil, inspiring awe, reverence, and a profound sense of "fear of the Lord." This qâdôwsh nature is the source of His justice, righteousness, and faithfulness.
* **Moral Standard:** God's holiness establishes the absolute moral standard for humanity. Because God is holy, His people are commanded to "be holy, for I am holy" (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:2]]). This is not merely a call to ritualistic purity but a demand for ethical living, justice, compassion, and righteousness in all aspects of life.
* **Covenant Relationship:** Israel's designation as a "holy nation" is intrinsically linked to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Their holiness is a consequence of His choosing and setting them apart, and it necessitates their obedient response to His commands.
* **Atonement and Access:** The concept of God's qâdôwsh nature profoundly underscores the problem of human sin. Sin creates an impassable chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. The elaborate sacrificial system and priestly mediation outlined in the Old Testament were divinely ordained means to provide atonement, enabling sinful people to approach and have fellowship with a holy God. Without atonement, access to the Holy One is impossible.
* **Divine Presence:** Where God's holiness is manifest, it demands reverence, purity, and a careful approach (e.g., Moses at the burning bush, [[Exodus 3:5]]). His presence sanctifies spaces and people, transforming them into qâdôwsh entities.
### Summary
The Hebrew word qâdôwsh (`{{H6918}}`) fundamentally signifies "set apart" or "sacred." Its most profound and dominant application is to God Himself, who is "The Holy One," emphasizing His absolute moral purity, transcendence, and unique distinctness from all creation. This attribute is the very essence of His character and the wellspring of His actions. Secondarily, qâdôwsh describes persons, places, objects, and times consecrated to God's service or touched by His presence. For humanity, particularly Israel, qâdôwsh denotes a call to be set apart *for* God and to reflect His moral perfection in their lives. This concept underscores the demand for ethical living and the necessity of atonement to bridge the chasm between a sinful humanity and a perfectly holy God. The pervasive concept of qâdôwsh deeply shapes the Old Testament's understanding of worship, law, and the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people.
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