A saint is one set apart unto God in Christ—His household, Body, and Temple—made holy through the Word, the Spirit, and the blood of Jesus.
Israel and the children of Zion are called His saints. Through Messiah, believers become fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God—His Body and Temple. We are sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 10:14; 13:12), washed and made holy by the Word and by His blood (Ephesians 5:26; John 17:17). We are called to be holy as He is holy, set apart from the nations as His peculiar treasure, and we remain holy by abiding in Him, the True Vine.
This study explores the imagery of abiding under the shadow of God’s wings, dwelling in His secret place, and being kept as the apple of His eye. These pictures reveal the close relationship God desires with His people—a relationship made possible through the sacrifice of Messiah, who gathers His people to Himself and covers them with His love.
Ultimately, the study presents sainthood as a life of intimate relationship with God, abiding in Christ, and being transformed into His image. As believers keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the Word made flesh, they are formed by His love and called to extend that same love to others.
There are two Hebrew words which are translated into our English word saint. קדושׁ ‘qadosh’ meaning set-apart or holy, and חסיד ‘chasiyd’ meaning a kind one, or merciful one.
H6918 קדשׁ / קדושׁ qâdôsh sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart.
Here are some examples of where קדשׁ ‘qadosh’ was translated as saint.
Psa 16:3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.
Psa 89:5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
Psa 106:16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.
H2623 חסיד châsîyd faithful, kind, godly, holy one, saint, pious.
Here are a few examples of where חסיד ‘chasiyd’ was translated as saint.
Psa 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in heaps.
Psa 79:2 They have given the bodies of Your servants as food for the birds of the heavens; the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.
Israel is defined as His saints
Psa 148:14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
Psa 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
The children of Zion are His saints
Psa 149:2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
G40 ἅγιος hagios Thayer Definition: 1) most holy thing, a saint
Mat 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
No longer strangers or foreigners but of the House. Of Israel.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
His Body
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Col 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
The Israel of God who believes in Messiah and keeps the Word. His disciples/students/pupils/little guy in His eye.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Isa 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
Holiness
Peter used the word ἅγιος ‘hagios’ to denote holiness
2Pe 3:11 Then all these being about to be dissolved, of what sort ought you to be in holy behavior and godliness,
In the Septuagint the word ἅγιος hagios is used for holy
Exo 22:31 And you shall be holy men to Me. And you shall not eat flesh torn in pieces; you shall throw it to the dogs.
Lev 11:45 for I am Jehovah who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to become your God; and you shall be holy, for I am holy.
Lev 20:7 And you shall sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy, for I am Jehovah your God;
We are sanctified in Christ Jesus
1Co_1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Heb 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
1Co 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Joh 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
Joh 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
His treasures
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Exo 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Exo 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Deu 7:6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Deu 7:7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
Deu 7:8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Deu 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Deu 7:10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.
Deu 7:11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.
Sanctified by the Word
Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Joh 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Joh 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Psa 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1Th 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
1Th 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1Pe 1:13 Because of this, having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, perfectly hope on the grace being brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
1Pe 1:14 as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves to your former lusts in your ignorance,
1Pe 1:15 but according to the Holy One who has called you, you also become holy in all conduct;
1Pe 1:16 because it has been written, “Be holy,” “because I am holy.” Lev. 19:2
We are to be Holy because He is Holy.
Lev 11:45 for I am Jehovah who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to become your God; and you shall be holy, for I am holy.
Lev 19:2 Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and you shall say to them, You are holy, for I am holy, Jehovah your God.
Lev 20:26 and you shall be holy to Me, for I, Jehovah, am holy; and I have set you apart from the nations to become Mine.
2Co 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership does righteousness have with lawlessness? And what fellowship does light have with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what part does a believer have with an unbeliever?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are a temple of the living God, even as God said, “I will” dwell in them and “walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Lev. 26:12; Ezek. 37:27
2Co 6:17 Because of this, “come out from among them” “and be separated,” says the Lord, “and do not touch the unclean thing,” and I will receive you. Isa. 52:11
2Co 6:18 “And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons” and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Sam. 7:8, 14; Isa. 43:6
If we abide in Him we shall be Holy
Rom 11:16 Now if the firstfruit is holy, so also the lump. And if the root is holy, so also the branches.
Joh 15:1 I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.
Joh 15:2 Every branch in Me not bearing fruit, He takes it away; and each one bearing fruit, He prunes, so that it may bear more fruit.
Joh 15:3 You are already pruned because of the Word which I have spoken to you.
Joh 15:4 Remain in Me, and I in you. As the branch is not able to bear fruit of itself, unless it remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.
Joh 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one abiding in Me, and I in him, this one bears much fruit, because apart from Me you are not able to execute, nothing.
Joh 15:6 Unless one remains in Me, he is cast out as the branch and is dried up; and they gather and throw them into a fire, and they are burned.
Joh 15:7 If you remain in Me, and My Words remain in you, whatever you desire you will ask, and it shall happen to you.
Joh 15:8 In this My Father is glorified, that you should bear much fruit; and you will be disciples to Me.
Joh 15:9 As the Father loved Me, I also loved you; continue in My love.
Joh 15:10 If you keep My commandments you will continue in My love, as I have kept My Father’s commandments and continue in His love.
Joh 15:11 I have spoken these things to you that My joy may abide in you, and your joy may be full.
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Seeing the Lord
1Co_1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1Pe_1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Scripture speaks of Jesus as the “Face” of God, His Image (Psalm 44:3; 42:5; Hebrews 1:1-3; John 14:7-9; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Colossians 1:12-20; John 17:21-23). To be a little guy in the Eye of God is to look unto the LORD Jesus Christ
The phrase ‘Little Guy in the Eye’ is speaking of a close relationship with God where we appear as a little guy in His Eye or as the ‘apple of His Eye.’
The essence of being a “little guy in the Eye” is love. Walking in close relationship with God who is love (1 John 4:8) and extending that love to our fellow man (1 John 4:12). Its about relationship with the Most High. Each one of us must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling as God works through us according to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13). If we keep focused on Him, He will be able to transform us from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18) until we are formed into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
The Holy Scriptures speak of the Word of God being the apple of our eye (Proverbs 7:2). When we look into the “eyes of God” we see ourselves, when He looks into our eyes He sees the Word, Himself. The ultimate goal of walking with God is that at the end of our journey we will look into His eyes and see the Word as well, His image formed in and through us. To accomplish this, our eyes should be on Jesus, the Word made flesh (John 1:1)…the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
The Holy Scriptures admonish us to seek the Face of God at all times (1 Chronicles 16:11). Seeking His Face where we appear as a “little guy” in His Eye will cause us to love others as He loves them…
Israel is the apple of God’s eye (The Israel of God are those who are in Messiah Jesus)
Deu 32:9 For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
Deu 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
Deu 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
Zion is the apple of God’s Eye. The Church is Zion (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:5-10)
Zec 2:7 Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.
Zec 2:8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
The Word of God (Jesus Christ) is to be the ‘little guy’ in our eye.
Pro 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
When we look into the “eyes of God” we see ourselves, when He looks into our eyes He sees the Word, Himself. The ultimate goal of walking with the LORD is that at the end we will look into His eyes and see the Word as well, His image being formed in and through us. Our eyes should be on Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh…the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Saints – חסיד ‘chasiyd’
חסיד ‘chasiyd’ comes from the root חס ‘chas’
Psa 17:7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness (חסד ‘chesed’), O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
Psa 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
Under His Wings, in His shelter/refuge, trusting in Him
Psa 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust (חסה ‘chasah’) under the shadow of thy wings.
Psa 57:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth (חסה ‘chasah’) in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
Psa 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter (מחסה ‘machseh’) for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
Psa 61:4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust (חסה ‘chasah’) in the covert (סתר ‘seter’ – secret, hidden) of thy wings. Selah.
Psa 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place (סתר ‘seter’ – secret, hidden) of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psa 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust (בטח ‘batach’).
בטח ‘batach’ means to cling to something, as in fruit to a vine. Abiding in Christ (John 15:4)
Psa 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Psa 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust (חסה ‘chasah’): his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psa 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation (יְשׁוּעָה ‘yeshuah’ – source of the name Jesus).
Making the Most High our habitation; Abiding in the Almighty
Psa 91:9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation (מעון ‘ma`on’).
מעון ‘ma`on’ comes from the root ין ‘an’ which means the eye.
Psa 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation (מעון ‘ma`on’), whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Psa 71:4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
Psa 71:5 For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
Psa 71:6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
Psa 71:7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
From these portions of Scripture in Psalm 71 & 91 we can see that those who abide in the shadow of His wings will be protected from adversity, they will be given eternal life and will see Jesus.
The Secret Place
Psa 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psa 83:3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Psa 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
This is the definition of who the Israel of God is (Galatians 6:16)…His hidden ones (Psalm 83:3). It is by the covenant cut in Messiah (Daniel 9:26; Isaiah 42:6), by His sacrifice on the cross that we are covered (1 John 1:7).
On the cross, Messiah gathered all mankind unto Him under His outstretched Arms as a hen gathers her chicks (John 12:32; Matthew 23:37). Amazingly, the Hebrew word for this spreading forth of the wings of a hen to gather her chicks or an eagle gathering her chicks under her wings is רחף ‘rachaph’ which also comes form the root word חף ‘chaph.’
It is through His Outstretched Arms (wings) that Messiah is calling us (John 3:14; 12:32) and gathering us together as a Shepherd does His flock (John 10:14-16). This is how we enter the Door into the House, this is how we are declared innocent and pure in His eyes. This is how we become His friends and enter into His tents in an intimate relationship.
When one has an intimate relationship with another, they appear as a ‘little guy in the eye‘ or as the ‘apple of the eye.’
Deu 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
Deu 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
Abiding in the Shadow of His wings means we are protected from adversity.
Psa 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psa 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psa 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Psa 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psa 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Psa 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Psa 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
The Hebrew word for salvation in Psalm 91:16 is ישועה ‘yeshuah’ from whence comes the name Yeshua…or Jesus.
This intimate relationship of appearing as a little guy in the Eye of the Creator, and abiding under the shadow of His Wings is accomplished in the work of Messiah on the cross.
The Hebrew word for כיפור ‘kippur,’ as in atonement (Romans 5:11), comes from the root word חף ‘chaph’ which means to cover.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Rom 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
חף ‘chaph’ – ‘one who enters a tent and is protected by the owner.’ A place of protection. One who is innocent, as in one whose actions are covered.
Messiah is the Door that we enter in order to abide in His ‘House’ (John 10:7) it is through Him that we are covered/hidden.
The beauty within
Psa 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
Psa 45:12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
Psa 45:13 The king’s daughter is all glorious within (פְּנִימָה ‘peniymah’): her clothing is of wrought gold.
H6441
פּנימה
penı̂ymâh
BDB Definition:
- toward the inside, within, faceward
Part of Speech: adverb
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H6440 with directive enclitic
פְּנִימָה ‘peniymah’ comes from the root פן ‘pan’ which means the face.
We are to look unto the face of God for salvation
Isa 45:22 Look {פנה ‘panah’ – face/presence} unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Heb 12:2 Looking {ἀφοράω ‘aphoraō’ – fix eyes upon} unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Greek word translated as ‘looking’ in Hebrews 12:2 is ἀφοράω ‘aphoraō’ which literally means to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on a particular object, in this case Jesus. The only way we can walk in God’s love and be formed into His image is to keep our eyes focused on Christ Jesus.
He desires our beauty
Psa 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
He is the Great Artist, creating a beautiful, glorious “sculpture” of His body.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship (ποίημα ‘poiēma’ ), created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
“Stroke” by “stroke” He is forming us into His image.
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder (τεχνίτης ‘technites’) and maker is God.
Zion, the people of God
Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Heb 3:2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
Heb 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
Heb 3:4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
Heb 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Isa 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.
In the Septuagint, σημεια ‘semeia’ is used to translated signs (אות ‘oht’) in Isaiah 8:18. This word was used in Ancient Greece “to stamp with a sign or mark, to seal.” The Latin Vulgate uses the word ‘signum.’
Isa 8:18 ecce ego et pueri quos mihi dedit Dominus in signum et in portentum Israhelis a Domino exercituum qui habitat in monte Sion.
The English word signature comes from this word signum/signare.
Christ the Character of God, the Icon of God
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image (χαρακτήρ ‘charakter’) of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
G5481
χαρακτήρ
charaktēr
khar-ak-tar’
From the same as G5482; a graver (the tool or the person), that is, (by implication) engraving ([“character”], the figure stamped, that is, an exact copy or [figuratively] representation): – express image.
The English word character also has the meaning of a the moral qualities of an individual, the “mark” of a person. χαρακτήρ ‘charakter’ means an “engraved or stamped mark.’ It referred to a distinctive mark left on a coin, seal, or tablet, something that identifies and authenticates the object. One’s moral character is the set of qualities that are “engraved” into a person’s soul through their choices and actions.
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image (εἰκών ‘eikon’) of God, should shine unto them.
G1504
εἰκών
eikōn
Thayer Definition:
- an image, figure, likeness
1a) an image of the things (the heavenly things)
1a1) used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God
1a2) the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to the heavenly body, but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses
1b) the image of one
1b1) one in whom the likeness of any one is seen
1b2) applied to man on account of his power of command
1b3) to Christ on account of his divine nature and absolute moral excellence
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1503
Col 1:15 Who is the image (εἰκών ‘eikon’) of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image (εἰκών ‘eikon’) of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image (εἰκών ‘eikon’) of him that created him:
We are being transformed into His image
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image (εἰκών ‘eikon’) from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
“Human nature is also a mirror… it was not beautiful until it drew near to Beauty and was transformed by the image of the divine loveliness… When I look at my beloved’s face, the beauty of his form is reflected in me.” (Gregory of Nyssa – Homilies on the Song of Songs)
We are called to leave the corrupted image and be transformed
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed (συσχηματίζω ‘suschematizo’) to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
G4964
συσχηματίζω
suschēmatizō
soos-khay-mat-id’-zo
From G4862 and a derivative of G4976; to fashion alike, that is, conform to the same pattern (figuratively): – conform to, fashion self according to.
Saints are the HOUSE of God
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Saints are His body
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
His Temple
Exo 25:8 And let them make a sanctuary* for Me, that I may dwell in their midst.
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, {this is the meaning of qodesh/saint…set apartness} saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The word for sanctuary in the above verse in Exodus 25 is מקּדשׁ miqdash which comes from the root קדושׁ qodesh meaning holy/set apart.
*H4720
מקּדשׁ / מקדּשׁ
Saints – the Chosen People
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Eze 37:27 My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Eze 43:9 Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever.
Lev 26:12 And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
Exo 29:45 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.
Zec 2:10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
1Jo 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1Jo 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1Jo 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jo 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1Jo 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
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