Bible glossary

What Does ‘Hallowed’ Mean in the Bible?

Hallowed means made holy or treated as sacred: to hallow God's name is to honor it as holy above all.

To hallow something is to set it apart as holy, to regard it with reverence. The word is most familiar from the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus taught us to pray, Hallowed be thy name. It is a request that God's name, and therefore God Himself, be honored as holy everywhere.

To hallow God's name is not to add to His holiness, which is already perfect, but to recognize and reflect it: in how we speak of Him, how we live, and how His reputation is treated in the world. It is the first thing Jesus taught us to ask for.

Key verses

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Matthew 6:9

“Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you.”
Leviticus 22:32

“And I will sanctify my great name... and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD.”
Ezekiel 36:23