The word "sacred" occupies a central place in the Bible, expressing a reality deeply linked to holiness, separation from the profane, and closeness to the divine. Used to designate places, objects, people or times, the term "sacred" conveys a concept of being set apart for God. To understand what "sacred" means in the Bible is to plunge into the revelation of God's holiness and the call to a life consecrated to Him.
1. The concept of "sacred" in Scripture
a) A notion of holiness
In the Bible, the word "sacred" is intrinsically linked to the holiness of God. To be sacred means to be holy, i.e. to be separated from evil and entirely dedicated to God.
In Hebrew, the term qadosh means "holy" or "sacred". It is used to refer to that which is set apart for God.
In Greek, the word hagios is often translated as "holy" or "sacred", reinforcing this idea of distinction.
b) Separation from the profane
What is sacred in the Bible is distinct from what is profane or common. This distinction reflects the transcendent and perfect nature of God, who cannot be mixed with sin or impurity.
2. The uses of the word "sacred" in the Bible
a) Sacred places
The Bible mentions several places designated as sacred because of God's special presence:
The burning bush (Exodus 3:5): God asks Moses to remove his sandals, because the place where he is standing is "holy ground".
The Tabernacle and Temple: These places are considered sacred because they house God's presence.
Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:23): The summit of the mountain is sanctified by the manifestation of God.
b) Sacred objects
Some objects are considered sacred because they are consecrated to God:
The Ark of the Covenant: Representing God's presence among his people, it is handled with profound respect.
The Temple utensils: These objects are sanctified for worship and must not be used for profane purposes.
c) Sacred moments
Time can also be sacred, marked by a special consecration:
The Sabbath (Genesis 2:3): This day is sanctified as a time of rest and communion with God.
Religious feasts (Leviticus 23): These are sacred times to worship God and remember his works.
d) Sacred people
In the Bible, certain people are consecrated to God and considered sacred:
Priests and Levites: They are set apart for the service of divine worship.
Prophets: They are given a sacred mission to transmit God's word.
The people of Israel (Exodus 19:6): They are called to be a "holy nation", set apart to serve God.
3. The sacredness of God
The word "sacred" takes on its full meaning when applied to God himself. God's holiness is one of his essential characteristics, emphasised in many biblical passages.
a) God is the only one truly sacred
In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory." This triple "holy" underlines the uniqueness and absolute perfection of divine holiness.
b) God's presence makes sacred
Every place, object or person in contact with the divine presence becomes sacred. God's holiness is communicative, transforming what it touches.
4. The sacred in the New Testament
a) Jesus Christ, the sacred incarnate
Jesus, as the Son of God, is the perfect manifestation of the sacred in the world. His life, death and resurrection reveal the holiness of God and offer a path of reconciliation between the sacred and the profane.
In John 17:19, Jesus says: "And I sanctify myself for their sakes, that they also may be sanctified in the truth."
By his sacrifice, Jesus makes believers holy and enables them to draw near to God.
b) Believers, a holy people
In the New Testament, the concept of holy extends to all Christians, who are called to become a holy people:
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people." (1 Peter 2:9)
Believers are called to live in conformity with God's holiness, reflecting his character in their daily lives.
5. The sacred in the Christian life
a) A call to holiness
To be a Christian is to respond to the call to holiness. It means living a life consecrated to God, renouncing sin and seeking communion with Him.
b) A life of consecration
Christians are called to sanctify their time, possessions and actions, offering them to God.
c) The sacredness of the sacraments
The sacraments, such as baptism and the Eucharist, are sacred moments when God acts directly in the lives of believers.
6. Conclusion : A word rich in spiritual meaning
The word "sacred" in the Bible evokes both God's transcendence and his desire to sanctify humanity and creation. It invites believers to live in holiness, to respect what is consecrated to God, and to enter into a deep relationship with the divine. By meditating on the meaning of the sacred, we discover a path of transformation, devotion, and communion with God, the source of all holiness.
