The Hebrew word qodesh and the equivalent Greek word hagios andtheir derivatives have been translated as holy, hallowed, or sanctified in older Englishversions, and in modern versions as sacred. Bible dictionaries state that the meaning ofqodesh (as well as qadash) specifies "separation." Modern scholars use the words"set apart," "set-apart," and "apartness."

According to Dictionary of Mythology Folklore and Symbols, thefollowing is stated about the word HOLY: In practically all languages, the word "holy" has beenderived from the divinely honored sun. According to Encyclopedia of Religions, HOLI isthe Great Hindu spring festival, held in honour of Krishna, as the spring sun-god. Strong'sConcordance refers to "heile" (the sun's rays). This form is almost identical to theGerman and Dutch equivalent of the English "holy." The German and Dutch word is heilig,which is derived from Heil, the name of a Saxon idol.