ἅγιον
hágion
G39
SILEX Entry
Definition
A place or object considered set apart or dedicated for divine purposes; specifically, a sanctuary or holy place. In Hellenistic Greek and biblical texts, refers to a space, object, or institution regarded as imbued with sacredness, typically in relation to the presence or worship of a deity.
Semantic Range
sanctuary, holy place, Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), sacred object, the innermost part of the temple, a thing dedicated or consecrated as sacred
Root / Etymology
Neuter substantive derived from the adjective ἅγιος (hágios, 'holy, set apart'). Rooted in the idea of separation for divine purposes. The term ἅγιον functions as a noun meaning 'holy thing' or 'sanctuary'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἅγιον rarely appears as a substantive; the adjective ἅγιος is more common, meaning 'holy' or 'sacred'. In the Septuagint, ἅγιον is used to translate Hebrew קֹדֶשׁ (qōdeš), typically referring to places or objects set apart as sacred, such as the sanctuary or specific parts of the temple. In the New Testament, ἅγιον most often refers to the inner sanctuary or 'Most Holy Place' (cf. Hebrews 9:3, 9:8, 9:24-25), translating the Hebrew קדש הקדשים (qōdeš ha-qodāšīm). English translations often render it as 'sanctuary', 'holy place', or less precisely 'holiest'. The context determines whether it refers to the entire temple precinct, a particular sacred area (e.g., the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem temple), or, rarely, a sacred object. It differs from ἱερόν (hierón, 'temple complex') and ναός (naós, 'temple proper' or 'shrine') by emphasizing set-apartness and access restricted to the divine presence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of ἅγιος; a sacred thing (i.e. spot):--holiest (of all), holy place, sanctuary.
Root Family
ἅγιο- (hágion) — to set apart, to dedicate, to make sacred
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.