Question 1

What does "Sanctify" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Sanctify" means "make morally pure." The exclusive dedication. To sanctify was to take something from common use and dedicate it exclusively to God. A sanctified vessel was not a cleaner vessel but a repurposed one -- taken from the kitchen and placed on the altar. 'Sanctify them through thy truth' was 'set them apart for your exclusive use by means of reality.'

Question 2

Why did the word "Sanctify" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

Greek hagiazo ('to set apart for sacred use/make holy/dedicate to God's exclusive purpose') moralized into 'make morally better.' The setting-apart and God's-exclusive-use dimensions were replaced by moral improvement. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by still used but moralized (~1900).

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Sanctify"?

Accepted Answer

"Sanctify" was replaced by: "purify" (though this cleansing only; sanctification was primarily about being set apart for god's use, not just cleaned up); "make holy" (though this circular -- what does 'holy' mean? sanctify meant to dedicate something from common to sacred use); "improve morally" (though this self-improvement; sanctification was god's act of claiming you for his exclusive purpose).

What Does “Sanctify” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost