Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Holiness”
The biblical word “Holiness” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (hagios (Greek), qadosh (Hebrew)), where it meant “Separation, being set apart for God, sacred purity”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The state of being holy; sacred purity and moral separation”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekhagios (Greek), qadosh (Hebrew)Separation, being set apart for God, sacred purity
Greek hagios (G40) separated, sacred; Hebrew qadosh (H6918) separated, sacred, holy. Central OT concept: God's people separated for His service; Peter applies in 1 Pet 1:15-16.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinsanctitasMoral and spiritual purity, freedom from defilement
Latin sanctitas from sanctus (holy, sacred). Medieval theology developed elaborate doctrine of sanctification; monasticism emphasizing pursuit of holiness through separation.
Modern English
Englishholy + -nessThe state of being holy; sacred purity and moral separation
From Old English halig (holy, sacred) possibly from hal (whole, sound). The -ness suffix creates virtue noun; in English by 13c as theological and moral category.