Topical Bible: Holy One

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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 Usage

In 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 Usage

In 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 Significance

The 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.

Conclusion

The 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 One

HOLY ONE

See GOD, 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). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/40.htm - 8k

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. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3741.htm - 7k

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 of one's being); not ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/53.htm - 7k

3874. paraklesis -- a calling to one's aid, ie encouragement ...
... 3874 ("holy urging") is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring ... Word Origin
from parakaleo Definition a calling to one's aid, ie encouragement ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3874.htm - 8k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... Hab 2:4: "Behold, as for the proud one,. His soul is not right within him; ... "Right
faith is a thing wrought in us by the Holy Spirit" (Wm. Tyndale). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

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 the holy Trinity). [Christ (His ) means "the Anointed One" (the eternal ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2424.htm - 7k

1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent
... righteous one (4), righteous person (1), righteous persons (1). just, righteous.
From dike; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy ( ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1342.htm - 8k

649. apostello -- to send, send away
... As an of 4724 ("send"), 649 () focuses back to (the one sending), strongly
connecting (His mission). ... also with His holy angels, Mk 13:27). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/649.htm - 10k

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). ...
/hebrew/6918.htm - 6k

6922. qaddish -- holy
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to qadosh Definition holy NASB Word Usage holy
(4), holy one (2), holy ones (1), saints (6). holy One, saint. ...
/hebrew/6922.htm - 6k

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). ...
/hebrew/2623.htm - 6k

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(-ied one, self), X ...
/hebrew/6942.htm - 6k

Library

Fourteenth Day. The Holy one of God.
... Fourteenth Day. The Holy One of God. 'Therefore ... 'We have believed and
know that Thou art the Holy One of God.'"John 6:69. 'The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/fourteenth day the holy one.htm

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
... Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One. 'And ye have an anointing
from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/thirtieth day the unction from.htm

Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
... Eleventh Day. The Holy One of Israel. 'I am the Lord ... 'I am the Lord Thy God,
the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/eleventh day the holy one.htm

Twelfth Day. The Thrice Holy One.
... Twelfth Day. The Thrice Holy One. 'I saw ... Each had a special preparation
for his commission to make known the Holy One. Moses saw ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/twelfth day the thrice holy.htm

O Most Holy One
... No. 88 O Most holy one. THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most holy one O Sanctissima. Translated
by Rev. JM Raker Sicilian Melody Arr. by NAM. Slowly, with devotion. ...
/.../various/the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 88 o most holy.htm

The Ideal Holy One. March 31.
... The Ideal Holy One. March 31. Have ... within. Is there a Holy One, whom I may
contemplate with utter delight? and if so, where is He? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /the ideal holy one march.htm

Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon. Now Praise we Christ, the Holy ...
... VII. Christum wir sollen loben schon. Now praise we Christ, the Holy One. From
the Hymn "A solis ortus cardine." The Original Latin Melody. ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/vii christum wir sollen loben.htm

Holy in Christ
... Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation. Eleventh Day. The Holy One of Israel. Twelfth
Day. The Thrice Holy One. Thirteenth Day. Holiness and Humility. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/

Assumptions Concerning the Book of Isaiah.
... He speaks of God as "The Holy 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 ...
/.../vi assumptions concerning the book.htm

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 an holy one of holy ones ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter viii of the times of.htm