In the Bible, “hallow” means to make holy or to sanctify, signifying the act of dedicating something to God or treating it with reverence. It reflects the concept of setting apart that which is sacred, as seen in the hallowing of the Sabbath and holy places.
Scripture
8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.
11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Hallow” Defined in the Bible
The term “hallow” in the Bible carries profound significance, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging sacredness and reverence in one’s relationship with God. To “hallow” is to make something holy or to sanctify it, reflecting an intentional act of setting apart for divine purposes. One of the most prominent usages of this term occurs in the context of the Sabbath, as outlined in Exodus 20:8-11, which commands believers to remember and keep the Sabbath day holy. This notation underscores a divine command to dedicate time for rest, worship, and reflection—illustrating the importance of holiness in the rhythm of life. Similarly, in Leviticus 20:7-8, God calls His people to sanctify themselves, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the community to embody holiness as a reflection of their divine calling.
Moreover, the concept of hallowing extends beyond specific days and places; it is a broader theological principle that calls for the reverence of God’s name and His attributes. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9), the petition “hallowed be thy name” encapsulates this notion, urging believers to recognize the sanctity of God’s nature and to live in such a way that honors His distinctive holiness. Through hallowing—be it time, space, or the name of God—believers cultivate a lifestyle that acknowledges the divine presence in everyday lives, demonstrating a continuous commitment to live in alignment with God’s holiness. This deeper understanding of hallowing thus serves to enrich the spiritual fabric within which believers interact with the sacred and navigate their faith journey.
The concept of “hallow” in the biblical context extends into various aspects of worship and daily life, illustrating the depth of reverence that God demands from His followers. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the act of hallowing can also be linked to the consecration of places and objects, as seen with Moses and the tabernacle. When the tabernacle was completed, it was hallowed by anointing, setting it apart as a sacred space for divine encounters. This act of sanctification reinforces the significance of physical spaces in shaping communal worship and accentuates the idea that certain locations serve as intersections where the divine and the earthly converge.
Additionally, the New Testament continues this theme through the call for believers to embody sanctification in their lives. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the language of hallowing in his letters, urging followers of Christ to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). Here, the emphasis is on the individual’s proactive role in dedicating themselves entirely to God’s service, illustrating that hallowing transcends mere ritual observance and encompasses a holistic lifestyle of faith. This commitment not only acknowledges God’s holiness but also transforms the believer, enabling them to reflect God’s character in relationships and interactions with others. In this way, the hallowing process becomes a dynamic journey of growth, inviting believers into a deeper understanding of their identity as people set apart for divine purposes.
The Concept of Holiness
In the Bible, to “hallow” something signifies the act of making it holy or setting it apart for divine purposes. This concept emphasizes the distinction between the sacred and the profane, underscoring the importance of purity and reverence in worship. When something is hallowed, it is dedicated to God, reflecting His nature and character. This notion of holiness is foundational in understanding the relationship between God and His creation, as well as the call for believers to live in a manner that honors this sacredness.
The Importance of Reverence
Hallowing also conveys a sense of reverence and respect towards God and His commandments. It involves recognizing the authority and majesty of God, leading to a lifestyle that reflects this acknowledgment. This reverence is not merely an external act but is rooted in the heart’s attitude towards God. By hallowing His name and His ways, believers are called to cultivate a deep respect for the divine, which influences their actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.
The Call to Sanctification
The act of hallowing is closely tied to the process of sanctification, where individuals are called to be set apart for God’s purposes. This involves a transformative journey where believers strive to embody the holiness of God in their daily lives. Hallowing, therefore, is not just a one-time event but an ongoing commitment to live in accordance with God’s will, reflecting His character in a world that often contrasts with His holiness. This call to sanctification encourages believers to pursue a life that honors God and serves as a witness to others.
How to Embrace Holiness in Daily Life
Embracing holiness in our daily lives is a beautiful journey that invites us to reflect Christ’s love and grace in everything we do. It starts with cultivating a heart that seeks God in every moment—whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or simply being mindful of His presence in our daily activities. Consider setting aside time each day to connect with Him, allowing His Word to guide your thoughts and actions. Holiness isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention and transformation. Look for opportunities to serve others, practice kindness, and extend grace, even when it’s challenging. Remember, it’s in the small, everyday choices that we can shine His light the brightest. As you strive to live a life that honors God, lean on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, and don’t hesitate to seek fellowship with other believers who can encourage you on this path. Embrace the journey, knowing that each step brings you closer to the heart of God.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Hallow”:
Leviticus 22:31-33: 31 So you shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord.
32 And you shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
33 who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord.”
Isaiah 8:13-14: 13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
14 And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Matthew 6:9-10: 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Ezekiel 20:12-14: 12 Moreover, I gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.
13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not walk in my statutes but rejected my rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; and my Sabbaths they greatly profaned. Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them in the wilderness, to make a full end of them.
14 But I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations in whose midst they lived, in whose sight I made myself known to them in bringing them out of the land of Egypt.
1 Peter 3:15-16: 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;
16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Leviticus 19:1-4: And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
3 Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.
4 Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal: I am the Lord your God.
Numbers 20:12-13: 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”
13 These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the Lord, and through them he showed himself holy.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15: 12 “‘Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you.
13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.
15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.
Isaiah 29:22-24: 22 Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: “Jacob shall no more be ashamed, no more shall his face grow pale.
23 For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
24 And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction.
Ezekiel 36:22-23: 22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came.”
23 And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.
Matthew 23:16-22: 16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’”
17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?
18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’
19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
20 Whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.
21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it.
22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.
John 17:17-19: 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Leviticus 21:6-8: 6 They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they offer the Lord’s food offerings, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.
7 They shall not marry a prostitute or a woman who has been defiled, neither shall they marry a woman divorced from her husband, for the priest is holy to his God.
8 You shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I, the Lord, who sanctify you, am holy.
Ezekiel 44:23-24: 23 They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
24 In a dispute, they shall act as judges, and they shall judge it according to my judgments. They shall keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed feasts, and they shall keep my Sabbaths holy.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.