Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Sanctification”
The biblical word “Sanctification” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (qadash / hagiazo), where it meant “To set apart as sacred, to consecrate, to make holy”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The process by which the Holy Spirit progressively makes a believer holy and conforms them to Christ”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekqadash / hagiazoTo set apart as sacred, to consecrate, to make holy
Hebrew qadash (H6942) means to be or become holy, to set apart. Greek hagiazo (G37) means to sanctify or make holy. Used throughout the Gospels and Pauline epistles.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinsanctificatioThe progressive work of the Holy Spirit making believers holy
Latin sanctificatio from sanctificare. The Church distinguished this from justification as the ongoing process of moral transformation distinct from positional righteousness.
Modern English
EnglishsanctificationThe process by which the Holy Spirit progressively makes a believer holy and conforms them to Christ
From Latin via Old French. Reformed theology emphasizes sanctification as inseparable from justification; Wesleyan theology adds the concept of entire sanctification.