Sanctification — Meaning in the Bible
Being made holy, set apart for God. The Bible speaks of it both as something God has done for his people and as a lifelong growth in holy living.
What it means
To sanctify is to make holy or set apart. Objects and people were sanctified for God's service in the tabernacle, and God says, "I am the LORD who sanctifies you". Exodus 29:44Leviticus 20:7–8
The New Testament says believers have been sanctified in Christ, and also calls them to pursue holiness: "this is the will of God: your sanctification". 1 Corinthians 6:111 Thessalonians 4:3–7Hebrews 12:14
Key passages
- Exodus 29:44 — The tent, altar and priests are sanctified.
- Leviticus 20:7–8 — "I am the LORD who sanctifies you."
- John 17:17–19 — Jesus prays: "Sanctify them in your truth."
- 1 Corinthians 6:11 — "You were washed. You were sanctified."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7 — Sanctification in daily life.
Different senses
- Set apart
- Something or someone dedicated to God. Exodus 29:44
- Holy living
- Growing in a life that pleases God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Original language
ἁγιασμός hagiasmos
Greek · Strong’s G38 · gloss: “holiness”
The Greek noun translated sanctification or holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:3Hebrews 12:14
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
Study further
- Leviticus 19:1–4 Be holy, for God is holy.
- John 17:13–19 Jesus' prayer.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 Holy living.