ἅγιον – Pronunciation Guide: hag’-ee-on (emphasis on first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G39: A sacred thing or place, that which is consecrated or set apart for divine purpose. As a substantive (noun) form of the adjective ἅγιος, it specifically refers to a holy object, sanctuary, or divine attribute.

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Word Study

• Part of Speech: Adjective used substantively as a Neuter Noun
• Language Origin: From ἅγιος (hagios)
• Root: ἅγ- (hag-) indicating reverence or awe

Morphology:

• ἅγιον – holy thing/place (neuter nominative/accusative singular)
• ἁγίου – of the holy thing/place (neuter genitive singular)
• ἁγίῳ – to/for the holy thing/place (neuter dative singular)
• ἅγια – holy things/places (neuter nominative/accusative plural)

Word Origin & History

ἅγιον represents the substantive use of the adjective ἅγιος in Greek religious contexts, particularly in reference to sacred spaces and objects. In the Septuagint, it became the standard translation for the Hebrew קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh) when referring to the sanctuary and holy places of יהוה (Yahweh)’s dwelling.

The term gained special significance in Hellenistic Judaism, where it became the technical designation for the Temple’s holy places, particularly in reference to the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἅγιον appears as a technical term for sacred space and divine presence, most notably in the book of Hebrews where it describes the heavenly sanctuary.

Key Passages:

• Hebrews 9:1 – The earthly sanctuary
• Hebrews 9:8 – The way into the holy place
• Hebrews 9:24 – The true heavenly sanctuary

Cultural Insights

The ancient Mediterranean world was familiar with sacred precincts in temples, but the Jewish understanding of ἅγιον was unique. Unlike pagan temples, the Jewish sanctuary represented not just a sacred space, but the meeting point between God and humanity, a concept that profoundly influenced early Christian theology.

Theological Significance

ἅγιον carries profound theological weight in expressing the reality of God’s presence among His people. In the New Testament, it bridges the gap between the physical sanctuary of the Old Covenant and the spiritual reality of God’s presence in the New Covenant.

The use of ἅγιον in Hebrews reveals how the Messiah Jesus fulfills and transcends the earthly sanctuary, providing direct access to God’s presence through His sacrifice.

This term helps us understand the transition from physical to spiritual worship, showing how believers themselves become the temple where God’s presence dwells.

Personal Application

Understanding ἅγιον reminds us that we have direct access to God’s presence through the Messiah Jesus. This truth should transform how we approach worship and live our daily lives, recognizing that we now carry God’s presence wherever we go.

Related Words

• ἅγιος (hagios) – holy, set apart – See G40
• ἁγιάζω (hagiazo) – to make holy, consecrate – See G37
• ναός (naos) – temple, sanctuary – See G3485
• ἱερόν (hieron) – temple complex – See G2411

Did you Know?

• ἅγιον specifically referred to the inner sanctuary of the Temple, distinct from the outer courts
• The term influenced Christian architecture, with churches divided into increasingly holy spaces
• The concept of ἅγιον shaped early Christian understanding of sacred space and divine presence

Remember This

“Through the Messiah Jesus, we now have bold access to the true ἅγιον – God’s very presence – transforming every believer into a living sanctuary of the Holy Spirit.”