Holy

Holy is an adjective used to describe things that are sacred, connected with a deity, or set apart for religious use. It can also refer to moral purity or being worthy of reverence. In many languages and traditions, holy objects, persons, and places are treated with special reverence or taboos about their handling.

Etymology and cognates: The word originates in Old English halig, meaning sacred or consecrated. It comes from the Proto-Germanic root *hailagaz and is cognate with Dutch heilig and German heilig. The term has equivalents in many religious languages, often linked to concepts of sanctity and the divine.

Usage and meanings: In religious contexts, holy appears in combinations such as the Holy Bible, Holy Trinity, and Holy See, as well as in reference to figures deemed sacred (the Holy Prophet) or places (the Holy Land). Theological discussions frequently treat holiness as an attribute of God and as a standard for saints or holy persons. In secular speech, phrases like “holy cow” or “make something holy” appear, though the word retains its strong religious emphasis in most uses. The concept can also be contrasted with sacredness, where sacred often broadens to respect for persons, objects, or places without necessarily implying moral perfection.

Related terms and cross-cultural notes: Holiness is the noun form denoting the state or quality of being holy. Related terms include sanctify, sanctification, and hallow (to make holy) as well as hallowed (consecrated). In other religious traditions, local terms exist for the idea of sacredness, such as kodesh in Judaism or al-Quddus in Islam, reflecting parallel concepts across faiths.