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A guide to the Hebrew term for 'holy'
As you read the Hebrew Bible or hear Jewish prayers, you may encounter the Hebrew word kadosh (קָדוֹשׁ). The term kadosh translates to 'holy,' denoting something or someone that is set apart or distinct from the rest. If you're interested in understanding more about kadosh, keep reading! We will explain its meaning, what it refers to, when it’s used, and explore some Bible verses that feature it.
The Meaning of Kadosh in Hebrew
Kadosh means 'holy,' referring to something that is unique, separate, or distinct from everything else. For example, God is considered kadosh because He is perfectly unique, all-powerful, and all-knowing. You may say kadosh during the Kedusha prayer or when referring to God.
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Understanding the Meaning of Kadosh
Kadosh signifies 'holy,' referring to something set apart or distinct. The Hebrew term קָדוֹשׁ, or kadosh, translates to 'holy.' In Hebrew, holiness represents something or someone that is separate or different from others. To put it simply, kadosh describes something that is special, unique, and unlike anything else.
- Kadosh can also be spelled 'kodesh.'
- Kadosh might sometimes align with the Christian definition of holy, implying purity, sacredness, or sinlessness. However, kadosh is broader in its meaning, making this interpretation less common.
Illustrations of Kadosh
God In the Hebrew Bible, God is regarded as kadosh, or holy, because He is utterly distinct from all other beings. Believers view Him as infinitely powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and sinless, placing Him in a category of His own and making Him the only one worthy of worship.
- In the Hebrew Bible, God is frequently referred to as HaKadosh Baruch Hu (הקדוש ברוך הוא), meaning 'The Holy One, Blessed be He.'
- Though God is separate from Earth and humanity, His followers do not view Him as distant. What defines His kadosh nature is His boundless love for humanity and His capacity for forgiveness.
Human beings According to the Hebrew Bible, God created humans in His own image. This endows humans with kadosh status, distinguishing them from other living creatures such as plants and animals. Humans are regarded as sacred and share certain divine qualities, such as the ability to think, forgive, and spread love as God does.
The Sabbath or Shabbat According to Genesis 2:1-3 in the Hebrew Bible, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, sanctifying it. Jews observe the seventh day, known as Shabbat or the Sabbath, as a sacred day of rest. On this day, they refrain from work and dedicate time to worshiping God.
- This makes Shabbat or the Sabbath kadosh, as it is distinct and special compared to the other days of the week.
Sacred places, like temples and Jerusalem The places where God dwells and where He is worshiped are considered kadosh. Temples and holy sites such as Jerusalem are consecrated for worship, making them set apart and sacred in contrast to other buildings, landmarks, and cities.
- Jerusalem is often called Ir ha-Kodesh, meaning 'The Holy City.'
Marriage In Jewish tradition, the first stage of marriage is known as kiddushin. This is when a couple makes a formal commitment to each other and pledges to marry, which is akin to an engagement. Marriage is regarded as kadosh because the couple separates themselves from others and forms a unique, sacred bond.
When to Use Kadosh
Recite Kedusha as part of the Amidah or Yotzer Or prayers. Kedusha is a well-known prayer recited during the daily standing prayer, Amidah, or during the Yotzer Or prayer. One line of the prayer says, 'Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, Adonai tz’vaot! M’lo chol haaretz, k’vodo.'
- This means 'Holy, Holy, Holy, is Adonai Tzv’aot (My Lord of Hosts)! The glory of God fills the entire earth.'
Read the Kedoshim. The Kedoshim is a passage from the Torah that lists the commandments God gave to Moses. It begins with God telling Moses that both he and his followers are holy because God Himself is holy. Reading the Kedoshim can serve as a powerful reminder that you are also holy, or kadosh.
Pray to God. When you pray to God, address Him using His Hebrew names, such as HaKadosh Baruch Hu (The Holy One, Blessed be He) or Ruach HaKadosh (The Holy Spirit or Spirit of the Holy One). Alternatively, begin your prayers with 'Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh' to declare God's holiness.
Bible Verses Referencing Kadosh
Isaiah 6:1-3 In this passage, Isaiah witnesses a vision of God and hears the angels proclaim, 'Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, YHWH Tsabaoth, melo kal ha’aretz kevodoh,' which translates to 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.'
- The repetition of kadosh underscores the infinite holiness of God, signifying that He is beyond all understanding.
- This verse forms the foundation of the Kedusha prayer.
Revelation 4:8 In Revelation 4:8, angels are heard proclaiming, 'Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh,' exulting in the holiness of God. This emphasizes God's boundless holiness, perfection, and power.
Leviticus 20:26 In Leviticus 20:26, God instructs Moses and the Israelites, 'You are to be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be mine.' God declares that both He and His followers are kadosh and consecrated.
