(Qodesh)
Hebrew Pronunciation [koh DESH]
HCSB Translation: sacred, holy, sanctuary
Uses in the OT: 470
“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts. “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the LORD in all your dwelling places. “These are the appointed feasts of the LORD, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them”
(Leviticus 23:2-4)
This noun regularly functions adjectivally as holy, sacred, dedicated, or consecrated (Ex. 3:5; 12:16; 31:15; Lv. 19:24). It denotes sanctuary (Ex. 28:29) or various parts such as holy place, sanctuary area, or most holy place (Ex. 26:33; 28:43; Lv. 16:6). Qodesh occurs twice in a row to indicate superlatives: most holy place, especially holy, and holiest part (Ex. 26:34; 30:10; Lv. 2:3). Singular uses suggest holiness, what is holy, or holy portion (Ex. 15:11; Lv. 19:8; Nm 6:20). With numbers qodesh connotes holy ones (Deut. 33:2). Plurals can signify holy offerings, gifts, things, or objects (Ex. 28:38; Lv. 5:15; Num. 4:16). Implicit in qodesh are concepts of separateness and consecration (Ezk. 42:20). Holiness is associated with glory and commands respect or awe (Ex. 15:11). God is holy as separated from sin. Holy things and people belong to God, being set apart from common use (Ex. 39:30) for His consecrated purposes (Lv. 10:17).
Word Studies courtesy of the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible. Used with permissions from B&H Publishing Group, A Division of LifeWay Christian Resources.
