ἱερός (hieros)
hieros
sacred
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective hieros describes something consecrated to a deity or set apart as sacred. In the New Testament, it carries a dual focus: it can modify abstract concepts like the "sacred writings" (2 Timothy 3:15), highlighting their divine inspiration and authority, or it can refer to physical objects and spaces associated with worship.
A key distinction lies in its use for temple precincts. While naos typically refers to the inner sanctuary, hieros often denotes the broader temple complex or sacred grounds, as seen when Jesus teaches in the temple courts (Matthew 12:5). This usage emphasizes the entire area dedicated to ritual and sacrifice, distinguishing the holy space from the common world.
The word’s root suggests a connection to divine power or marvel. Its application to Scripture underscores the belief that these texts are not merely human writings but are imbued with God’s presence. Translators usually render it as "sacred" or "holy," preserving the sense of something reserved exclusively for divine use and reverence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hieros points to things set apart for God, whether they are physical spaces like the temple courts or the written Scriptures themselves. When we encounter this term, it reminds us that God values what is dedicated to Him. In the New Testament, it often distinguishes between the common world and the sacred realm where divine presence dwells.
For your faith life, this means recognizing the weight of spiritual resources. The apostle Paul notes in 2 Timothy 3:15 that the Scriptures are sacred writings capable of making us wise for salvation. This is not just about reading text; it is about engaging with words that carry divine authority and power. We are invited to treat these gifts with reverence, knowing they originate from God.
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 9:13, Paul observes that those serving at the altar share in the sacred things. This principle applies to how we value spiritual ministry and the community of believers. By acknowledging what is holy, we align our hearts with God’s purposes, finding stability and wisdom in His revealed word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sacred [things]1×
- sacred1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱερὰ2×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 3:15
From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
This verse uniquely applies hieros to the Scriptures themselves, emphasizing their divine origin and power to lead to salvation rather than just describing a physical location.
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I Corinthians 9:13
Don’t you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar?
Here the word describes the material provisions for temple service, illustrating how sacred duties support those who minister in holy places.