# sanctify, sanctification

## Definition:

To sanctify is to set apart or to make holy. Sanctification is the process of being made holy.

* In the Old Testament, certain people and things were sanctified, or set apart, for service to God.
* The New Testament teaches that God sanctifies people who believe in Jesus. That is, he makes them holy and sets them apart to serve him.
* Believers in Jesus are also commanded to sanctify themselves to God, to be holy in everything they do.

## Translation Suggestions:

* Depending on the context, the term “sanctify” can be translated as “set apart” or “make holy” or “purify.”
* When people sanctify themselves, they purify themselves and dedicate themselves to God’s service. Often the word “consecrate” is used in the Bible with this meaning.
* When its meaning is “consecrate,” this term could be translated as “dedicate someone (or something) to God’s service.”
* Depending on the context, the phrase “your sanctification” could be translated as “making you holy” or “setting you apart (for God)” or “what makes you holy.”

(See also: [consecrate](../kt/consecrate.md), [holy](../kt/holy.md), [set apart](../kt/setapart.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Thessalonians 04:3-6](rc://en/tn/help/1th/04/03)
* [2 Thessalonians 02:13](rc://en/tn/help/2th/02/13)
* [Genesis 02:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/gen/02/01)
* [Luke 11:2](rc://en/tn/help/luk/11/02)
* [Matthew 06:8-10](rc://en/tn/help/mat/06/08)


## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H6942, G37, G38