ἅγιος (hagios)
hagios
holy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 219 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word hagios describes something set apart for divine use, carrying a sense of awe-inspiring reverence. Its root relates to "hagos," an awful or sacred thing, which explains why it was often used in ancient inscriptions to refer to the gods. In Scripture, this term primarily denotes separation: things, places, or people dedicated exclusively to God and thus worthy of veneration.
Its application ranges from the divine nature itself to believers. It describes God’s purity and majesty, as seen in Luke 1:49 and Revelation 4:8, and extends to sacred spaces like the Temple in Matthew 24:15. The term also identifies Christ as the Holy One of God (Mark 1:24) and Christians as saints, or holy ones, separated for His service (Romans 1:7). While near-synonyms exist—hagnos for moral purity and hieros for external sacredness—hagios emphasizes the state of being consecrated to God.
This word appears frequently in Acts and Revelation, highlighting the community of believers who share in this holy status. Translators often render it as "holy" when referring to God or spirits, and "saints" when describing people. The term underscores that holiness is not merely moral perfection but a fundamental reorientation toward the divine, marking those who belong to God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hagios points to something set apart for God’s exclusive use. It is not just about moral perfection, but about belonging. When Scripture calls God holy, it highlights His unique majesty and purity. When it calls believers saints, it reminds us that we are chosen and separated for His service. This identity shapes how we live, knowing we are part of something sacred.
Jesus is called the Holy One of God, marking Him as distinct from all else. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out this calling. In daily life, this means our actions reflect that special status. We do not need to strive for holiness on our own; we simply walk in the light of the One who has already set us apart.
This truth brings comfort. You are not defined by your failures but by your position in Christ. The Spirit guides you into truth, helping you navigate life with purpose. As you read Scripture, notice how often this word appears. It is a gentle reminder that God sees you as His own, worthy of honor and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 219 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Holy71×
- holy43×
- saints41×
- Holy.15×
- saints.6×
- holy,6×
- Holy,6×
- saints,4×
- holy.4×
- Holy;4×
- Holy [One]4×
- of saints2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἅγιον36×
- ἁγίου32×
- ἁγίων28×
- ἁγίοις16×
- ἁγίῳ13×
- ἅγιος11×
- ἁγίους8×
- ἅγιοι6×
- ἁγίου,6×
- ἁγίαν6×
- ἅγιον.4×
- ἅγιον,4×
Key Verses
-
Mark 1:24
saying, “Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God!”
This verse identifies Jesus as the Holy One of God, emphasizing His unique divine nature and authority over unclean spirits.
-
Luke 1:35
The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.
Here, the Spirit’s role in Jesus’ conception shows that holiness originates from God’s power, not human effort.
-
Matthew 28:19
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
The Great Commission ties baptism to the Holy Spirit, linking new believers directly to this sacred identity.
-
Luke 1:49
For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
Mary’s song declares God’s name holy, anchoring our understanding of holiness in His mighty acts rather than abstract concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hagios mean in the Bible?
Why are Christians called saints?
How is hagios different from hagnos?
Every Occurrence (219 verses across 23 books)
Matthew 11 verses
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 1:20But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 3:11“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not…
Matthew 4:5Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
Matthew 7:6“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them…
Matthew 12:32Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it…
Matthew 24:15“When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in…
Matthew 25:31“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his…
Matthew 27:52The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;
Matthew 27:53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.
Matthew 28:19Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,