Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Holy One" is a significant title used throughout the Bible to describe God, emphasizing His purity, separateness, and divine nature. It underscores God's transcendence and moral perfection, setting Him apart from all creation. This title is used in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the continuity of God's character and His relationship with His people.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, "Holy One" is frequently associated with the God of Israel. The Hebrew term "Qadosh" is often translated as "Holy One," highlighting God's distinctiveness and sanctity. One of the most prominent uses of this title is found in the book of Isaiah, where God is repeatedly referred to as the "Holy One of Israel." For example,
Isaiah 1:4 states, "Oh, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him."
The title emphasizes God's covenant relationship with Israel and His role as their Redeemer and Judge. In
Isaiah 43:15 , God declares, "I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King." Here, the "Holy One" is not only a title of reverence but also a reminder of God's authority and creative power.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the title "Holy One" is applied to Jesus Christ, affirming His divinity and sinlessness. In
Mark 1:24 , a demon-possessed man recognizes Jesus and cries out, "What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!" This acknowledgment by the spiritual realm underscores Jesus' divine authority and purity.
The apostle Peter also uses this title in his sermon at Pentecost, referring to Jesus' resurrection. In
Acts 2:27 , Peter quotes
Psalm 16:10, saying, "because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay." This passage highlights the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus, the Holy One, who overcame death.
Theological SignificanceThe title "Holy One" carries profound theological implications. It affirms God's absolute holiness, which is foundational to His nature and actions. God's holiness demands reverence and worship, as seen in passages like
Psalm 99:9 : "Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy."
For believers, the holiness of God serves as both a comfort and a call to holiness. As
1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness reflects the transformative power of God's presence in the lives of His people, enabling them to live in a manner that honors Him.
ConclusionThe title "Holy One" is a profound expression of God's unique and perfect nature. It is a reminder of His majesty, purity, and the call for His people to reflect His holiness in their lives. Through both the Old and New Testaments, the "Holy One" remains a central and enduring aspect of God's revelation to humanity.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Holy OneHOLY ONE
SeeGOD, NAMES OF.
Greek
40. hagios -- sacred,holy... Usage
Holy (92),
holy (62),
Holy of Holies (1),
holy one (5),
holy ones (1),
holy place (7), most
holy (1), saint (1), saints (59), saints' (1), sanctuary (2).
...3741. hosios -- righteous, pious,holy
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition righteous, pious,holy NASB Word Usage
devout (1),holy (4),Holy One (3). righteous, pious,holy....
53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement,holy, sacred
... 53 (an adjective, which may be cognate with 40 , "holy," so , 1, 122) -- properly...
without spoilation even within (even down to the center ofone's being); not...
3874. paraklesis -- a calling toone's aid, ie encouragement...
... 3874 ("holy urging") is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring... Word Origin
from parakaleo Definition a calling toone's aid, ie encouragement...
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... Hab 2:4: "Behold, as for the proudone,. His soul is not right within him;... "Right
faith is a thing wrought in us by theHoly Spirit" (Wm. Tyndale)....
2424. Iesous -- Jesus or Joshua, the name of the Messiah, also...
... Mt 1:21,25, see also Lk 1:31) -- the Christ, the divine Messiah (the second Person
of theholy Trinity). [Christ (His ) means "the AnointedOne" (the eternal...
1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent
... righteousone (4), righteous person (1), righteous persons (1). just, righteous.
From dike; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent,holy (...
649. apostello -- to send, send away
... As an of 4724 ("send"), 649 () focuses back to (theone sending), strongly
connecting (His mission).... also with Hisholy angels, Mk 13:27)....
Strong's Hebrew
6918. qadosh -- sacred,holy... qodesh Definition sacred,
holy NASB Word Usage consecrated (1),
Holy (8),
holy (50),
Holy One (44),
holy one (3),
holy ones (6),
one is
holy (1), saints (2).
...6922. qaddish --holy
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to qadosh Definitionholy NASB Word Usageholy
(4),holy one (2),holy ones (1), saints (6).holy One, saint....
2623. chasid -- kind, pious
... kind, pious NASB Word Usage godly (2), godly man (3), godly ones (20), godly person
(1), gracious (1),Holy One (1), kind (3), love (1), ungodly* (1)....
6942. qadash -- to be set apart or consecrated
... or morally) -- appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep)
holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-iedone, self), X...
Library
Fourteenth Day. TheHoly one of God.
... Fourteenth Day. TheHoly One of God. 'Therefore... 'We have believed and
know that Thou art theHoly One of God.'"John 6:69. 'The...
Thirtieth Day. The Unction from theHoly One.
... Thirtieth Day. The Unction from theHoly One. 'And ye have an anointing
from theHoly One, and ye know all things. And as for you...
Eleventh Day. TheHoly one of Israel.
... Eleventh Day. TheHoly One of Israel. 'I am the Lord... 'I am the Lord Thy God,
theHoly One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord...
Twelfth Day. The ThriceHoly One.
... Twelfth Day. The ThriceHoly One. 'I saw... Each had a special preparation
for his commission to make known theHoly One. Moses saw...
O MostHoly One
... No. 88 O Mostholy one. THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Mostholy one O Sanctissima. Translated
by Rev. JM Raker Sicilian Melody Arr. by NAM. Slowly, with devotion....
The IdealHoly One. March 31.
... The IdealHoly One. March 31. Have... within. Is there aHoly One, whom I may
contemplate with utter delight? and if so, where is He?...
Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon. Now Praise we Christ, theHoly...
... VII. Christum wir sollen loben schon. Now praise we Christ, theHoly One. From
the Hymn "A solis ortus cardine." The Original Latin Melody....
Holy in Christ
... Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation. Eleventh Day. TheHoly One of Israel. Twelfth
Day. The ThriceHoly One. Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility....
Assumptions Concerning the Book of Isaiah.
... He speaks of God as "TheHoly One of Israel." This title, as applied to God, is
used only seven times in the entire Old Testament; once in 2 Kings, three times...
Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and of Jerusalem's...
... and righteousness obtained by entreaty, and righteousness eternal introduced; and
in order that vision and prophet may be sealed, and anholy one ofholy ones...
Resources
What is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about the Holy Spirit (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is "Holy Blood, Holy Grail"? | GotQuestions.orgHoly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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