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Sanctuary

/SANK-choo-air-ee/

Summary

A term designating the sacred dwelling place of God, applied to both the tabernacle and temple, and particularly to the Holy Place and Most Holy Place.

☩Terminology

Sanctuary is the rendering of several Hebrew and Greek terms meaning 'holy place.' The general Hebrew term is qodesh (holiness), while the more specific term is miqdash (a local shrine). In the New Testament, the corresponding Greek word is hagion, simply meaning anything holy. The term applies both to the tabernacle and temple as a whole and to the specific inner chambers in distinction from other parts.

Key verses:Exodus 25:8Hebrews 9:1-2

☩Purpose and Significance

The sanctuary was where, in retirement from man and the world, God's glory was seen and His mind apprehended. It was where sacrifices were offered and God was worshipped. The Psalmist declared that 'Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary,' indicating it was the place where one could truly understand God's purposes.

Key verses:Psalm 77:13Leviticus 19:30Leviticus 26:2

☩New Testament Application

In Hebrews, the earthly sanctuary is contrasted with the 'true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man.' Christ has become minister of the heavenly sanctuary. The earthly sanctuary is called 'worldly' in contrast to the true tabernacle. For Christians, the sanctuary consists in the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ—God revealed without a veil.

Key verses:Hebrews 8:2Hebrews 9:1-8Hebrews 10:19

Related Verses135 mentions

Numbers· 31 verses

3:283:313:323:383:47

Ezekiel· 31 verses

5:118:69:611:1623:38

Psalms· 14 verses

20:263:268:2473:1774:3

Exodus· 13 verses

15:1725:827:2130:1330:24

See Also

Tabernacle
Tabernacle
Dura Europos Mural Solomonic Temple
Temple

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sanctuary," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sanctuary," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  3. 3.George Morrish, "Sanctuary," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  4. 4.George Morrish, "Sanctuary," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  5. 5.George Morrish, "Sanctuary," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  6. 6.James Hastings (ed.), "Sanctuary," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
  7. 7.George Morrish, "Sanctuary," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).