2. What meaning do the Hebrew and Greek words convey for “holy” and “holiness”?

² The English words “holy” and “holiness” in the Bible are translated from Hebrew words that appear to have the root meaning “to be clean,” “to be new or fresh, untarnished.” This would apply in a physical sense, but, more importantly, in a spiritual or moral sense. Thus, the words mainly have to do with moral cleanness, sacredness, purity. These Hebrew words also convey the idea of being separate, exclusive, or sanctified to God. In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the two words also denote a separation to God, and refer to purity or perfection in the personal conduct of an individual.

6. Since the Israelites were to become holy, was the holiness limited to their religious activity only? Why not?

⁶ Down through the centuries, Jehovah has wanted his people to be holy, to become progressively more like himself. To understand this better, let us consider briefly God’s dealings with his people under the Mosaic law. His words to this Jewish nation were as follows: “You should prove yourselves holy, because I Jehovah your God am holy.” (Lev. 19:2) Now, what facets of human experience was Jehovah discussing here? Was he simply referring to the religious activities of life? No, that was not the case. The context, the remaining thirty-five Le 19 verses 3-37 in the chapter, reveals that God was talking about activities that marked every aspect of Jewish life. Things like stealing, impartiality in judgment, use of weights and measures, treatment of handicaps such as deafness and blindness, and even sexual matters are specifically mentioned. Therefore, holiness was to be displayed in all activities of life. By holding to God’s standards for holiness at that time, the nation could be a people that was “holy,” or clean, and set apart from the worldly nations as a people devoted exclusively to Jehovah. The dietary, sanitary and moral laws that God gave to them were a constant reminder of their separateness and holiness to Him.​—Lev. 22:31, 32.

MEANING OF HOLINESS CLARIFIED

7. (a) Since the Israelites could be made “holy” only up to a point, what was necessary on God’s part? (b) How did Jesus’ message help the people of his day?

⁷ However, the Israelites could be cleansed and set apart from the ancient world and made “holy” only up to a point. That is why it was necessary for God to send Jesus to the earth, to unveil to mankind additional information about his Father and His wonderful qualities of righteousness, purity and holiness. The teachings of Jesus Christ could make receptive people even holier than those under the Law. His instructions would reach the hearts of those who wanted to respond to the message of God. It could help them to fashion themselves more like Jehovah. They could get to know God on a more intimate basis than those who lived prior to Jesus’ coming to the earth.​—John 1:18.

8. How did Jesus, after quoting the Law, probe deeper, and what two examples illustrate this?

⁸ While performing his God-appointed service Jesus time and again quoted the Law and then probed deeper. How so? He got to the motives and reasons for doing things. Jesus was interested in finding out what was in a person’s heart. He illustrated this once when he was discussing the Law and the matter of murder and adultery. He explained: “You heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You must not murder; but whoever commits a murder will be accountable to the court of justice.’ However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; but whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, ‘You despicable fool!’ will be liable to the fiery Gehenna.” (Matt. 5:21, 22) Later, when talking about adultery, Jesus had this to say: “You heard that it was said, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”​—Matt. 5:27, 28.

9. (a) Show the contrast between the Law and Christianity. (b) What did Jesus highlight in his teaching?

⁹ In both cases, we can see the superiority of the teachings of Christ over those of the Law in making one holy. Under the Law the physical acts of murder and adultery would bring condemnation of death to an Israelite. But with the Christian, even his thoughts and motives could condemn him in Jehovah’s eyes. He had to have a clean heart. (Mark 7:18-23) A Christian could not entertain improper thoughts and desires and expect to put on the “holiness” that would reflect the glory of Jehovah. (Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 3:18) So Jesus highlighted the principles behind the Law. He stressed the spirit of the Law, which had been largely ignored by those that taught the Law.