Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Saint”
The biblical word “Saint” traces back to Greek / Hebrew (hagios (Greek), qadosh (Hebrew)), where it meant “Holy, sacred, set apart for God; sanctified persons”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “A person of great holiness; one formally canonized by a church”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Greek / Hebrewhagios (Greek), qadosh (Hebrew)Holy, sacred, set apart for God; sanctified persons
Greek hagios (αγιος, H40) = holy, sacred. Hebrew qadosh (קדוש, H6918) = holy, set apart. In NT, Paul addresses believers as 'saints' (hagios): those sanctified and set apart through Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinsanctusA person recognized by the church as holy; one of the blessed in heaven
Latin sanctus (holy) from sancire (to consecrate). Medieval church developed formal canonization: declaring deceased faithful (often martyrs or confessors) as saints, worthy of veneration and intercession.
Modern English
EnglishsaintA person of great holiness; one formally canonized by a church
From Old French saint and Latin sanctus. In Catholic tradition, denotes formal canonization; more broadly, any person of exceptional piety and virtue in Protestant usage.