What is the holiness of God?
God's holiness is his utter purity, set-apartness, and moral perfection. He is «high and lifted up,» worshiped by seraphim crying «Holy, holy, holy» — and yet draws near to his people.
Holiness is one of God's most basic attributes. Three times the seraphim cry «Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts» (Isaiah 6:3) — the only triple repetition for any divine attribute in Scripture.
God's holiness is more than moral perfection. It is otherness — he is set apart from all that is created, sinful, broken. His holiness inspires both awe and trembling.
And yet this holy God draws near. He chose Israel as «a holy nation.» He came in Christ to dwell with us. He calls his people to «be holy, for I am holy» — set apart for him in love.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.