Sanctified in the Bible means “set apart for God, made holy, or dedicated to a sacred purpose.”
It refers to people, places, objects, or actions that are consecrated to God and separated from ordinary or sinful use. In essence, to be sanctified is to be spiritually purified and devoted to God’s service.
Understanding what it means to be sanctified helps believers grow in faith, live a holy life, and align their actions with God’s will. Beyond a simple definition, this term carries rich historical, cultural, and spiritual significance in the Bible.
Origin of the Word “Sanctified”
The term sanctified comes from the Latin word sanctificare, meaning to make holy, which is rooted in sanctus, meaning holy or sacred.
In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), sanctification is often expressed with the word “qadash” (קָדַשׁ), which means to set apart, consecrate, or make holy. The Greek New Testament uses “hagiazo” (ἁγιάζω), carrying the same idea of being set apart for God.
Popularity & Usage:
- Widely used in religious texts, sermons, and Christian teachings.
- Often appears in phrases like “sanctified by the Spirit” or “sanctified for His purpose.”
- Though mainly biblical, it is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone or something dedicated to a higher ideal.
Biblical Usage of Sanctified
In the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, sanctification often involves rituals, sacrifices, and obedience to God’s commandments:
- Priests and Levites: They were sanctified to serve in the Tabernacle and Temple.
- Objects & Places: The Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and holy vessels were sanctified.
- Holy Days: Festivals like Passover were sanctified to honor God.
Example:
Exodus 29:44 – “I will consecrate the tabernacle of meeting and the altar; I will sanctify my priests, so they may serve me.”
In the New Testament
In the New Testament, sanctification shifts to a spiritual process:
- Believers are sanctified through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
- It refers to growing in holiness, separating from sin, and living a life pleasing to God.
Example:
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.”
Real-World Meaning & Context
In modern Christian life, sanctified has several practical meanings:
- Personal holiness: Living a life in obedience to God.
- Separation from sin: Choosing actions, thoughts, and habits aligned with God’s will.
- Dedication: Offering time, talent, or resources for God’s work, such as church service or charity.
Emoji context example:
- 🙏 “She felt sanctified after dedicating her life to prayer and service.”
- ✨ “The sanctuary was sanctified before the Easter service.”
Examples of Sanctified in Sentences
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Friendly/Positive | “The children were sanctified by their parents’ prayers.” |
| Neutral/Informative | “The Old Testament laws required certain foods and objects to be sanctified.” |
| Serious/Reflective | “Believers are sanctified through the Holy Spirit to live holy lives.” |
Comparison With Related Terms
| Term | Meaning & Difference |
|---|---|
| Holy | Pure, sacred, morally perfect; “sanctified” often implies active dedication. |
| Consecrated | Set apart for religious use; almost synonymous with sanctified, but formal/legal. |
| Blessed | Favored or endowed by God; not necessarily separated for a holy purpose. |
| Purified | Cleansed spiritually or ritually; a step toward sanctification. |
Quick Tip: While “holy” is a state, “sanctified” is both a state and a process.
Alternate Meanings of Sanctified
Though primarily religious, sanctified can be used metaphorically:
- Secular Use: Dedication to a noble cause or principle.
- Example: “He sanctified his life by devoting himself to helping the poor.”
- Cultural Use: In literature or poetry, sanctified may symbolize purity, virtue, or honor.
Professional Alternatives:
- Consecrated
- Dedicated
- Devoted
- Set apart
How to Apply Sanctification in Daily Life
- Prayer & Meditation: Regular spiritual focus strengthens sanctification.
- Avoiding Sinful Behavior: Separation from harmful habits or influences.
- Serving Others: Acts of kindness and charity reflect a sanctified life.
- Personal Discipline: Maintaining integrity, honesty, and moral standards.
FAQs
- What does it mean to be sanctified by God?
Being sanctified by God means being set apart for His purposes and made holy through His guidance. - Is sanctification the same as salvation?
No. Salvation brings a person into God’s family, while sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming holy. - Can someone lose their sanctification?
Sanctification is ongoing; a believer may stumble, but God continues to guide them toward holiness. - What is the difference between sanctified and holy?
Holiness is the state of moral and spiritual purity, while sanctification is both the state and the process of being set apart for God. - Does sanctified only apply to people?
No. Objects, places, and actions can also be sanctified for God’s service. - How do you sanctify something in the Bible?
Through prayer, ritual, or dedication to God, often accompanied by obedience to His commands. - What is the opposite of sanctified?
Profane, common, sinful, or secular anything not set apart for God. - Is sanctification instantaneous or gradual?
Both. A believer is positionally sanctified at salvation but progressively sanctified throughout life.
Conclusion
Understanding what sanctified means in the Bible reveals both a spiritual state and a life process. It calls believers to live in holiness, separate from sin, and devoted to God’s purposes. Whether referring to a person, place, or object, sanctification emphasizes purity, dedication, and divine purpose.
By embracing the concept of sanctification, your faith and spiritual life can grow stronger, reflecting God’s glory in every action and choice.
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Ryan Thompson is an experienced content writer specializing in slang terms, texting abbreviations, and word meanings. He writes for meanvoro.com, where he creates accurate and easy-to-understand language content for readers.
