Holy vs. Sacred: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 18, 2023
"Holy" refers to something that is divine or connected to a deity, while "Sacred" is broader, signifying something that is set apart for veneration or religious purposes.
Key Differences
The term "Holy" usually indicates something that is specifically connected to God or a deity. It often bears a sense of being divine, morally pure, or untouchable. On the other hand, "Sacred" is more general, referring to anything set apart for religious, spiritual, or veneration purposes, and it is not always directly linked to a deity.
Both "Holy" and "Sacred" can describe places, objects, people, or even time. However, a holy place is usually directly associated with divine presence, such as a church, mosque, or temple. A sacred place, like a historical monument, may not be linked to a deity but is still revered for its significance.
When it comes to language use, "Holy" is often found in religious texts and prayers to describe divine entities or things that belong to a divine entity. "Sacred" is more often used in a cultural or historical context, such as sacred traditions, which can include both religious and non-religious practices.
While both terms are closely related and sometimes used interchangeably, "Holy" is more likely to evoke a sense of moral or spiritual purity. In contrast, "Sacred" tends to imply something that deserves respect or honor, whether it's morally pure or not.
Comparison Chart
Connection to Deity
Often direct
Can be indirect
ADVERTISEMENT
Scope
More specific
Broader
Usage
Primarily religious
Cultural & religious
Moral Implication
Implies purity
Not necessarily
Context
Religious texts
Religious & historical
Holy and Sacred Definitions
Holy
Morally pure or virtuous.
He led a holy life.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sacred
Set apart for worship or veneration.
The sacred altar should not be touched.
Holy
Divine or pertaining to a deity.
The Holy Bible is a religious text.
Sacred
Untouchable, not to be violated.
The agreement between them was sacred.
Holy
Worthy of veneration or awe.
The priest is a holy man.
Sacred
Religious, but not necessarily divine.
The sacred songs lifted everyone's spirits.
Holy
Used as an exclamation.
Holy smokes, that was amazing!
Sacred
Regarded with reverence and respect.
The constitution is a sacred document.
Holy
Set apart for religious purposes.
Sunday is considered a holy day.
Sacred
Dedicated to or set apart for the worship of a deity.
Holy
Belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.
Sacred
Worthy of religious veneration
The sacred teachings of the Buddha.
Holy
Regarded with veneration or specified for a religious purpose
A holy book.
A holy place.
Sacred
Made or declared holy
Sacred bread and wine.
Holy
Living or undertaken with highly moral or spiritual purpose; saintly
A holy person.
A holy way of life.
Sacred
Dedicated or devoted exclusively to a single use, purpose, or person
Sacred to the memory of her sister.
A private office sacred to the President.
Holy
Regarded as deserving special respect or reverence
The pursuit of peace is our holiest quest.
Sacred
Worthy of respect; venerable.
Holy
(Informal) Used as an intensive
Raised holy hell over the mischief their children did.
Sacred
Of or relating to religious objects, rites, or practices.
Holy
Dedicated to a religious purpose or a god.
I'm planning to visit the holy city of Jerusalem this Christmas.
Sacred
Characterized by solemn religious ceremony or religious use, especially, in a positive sense; consecrated, made holy.
A sacred place
A sacred day
Sacred service
Holy
Revered in a religion.
To demonstrate that this is different from the following definition.
Sacred
Religious; relating to religion, or to the services of religion; not secular
Holy
Morally perfect or flawless, or nearly so.
My grandmother is a very holy woman.
Sacred
Spiritual; concerned with metaphysics.
Holy
Separated or set apart from (something unto something or someone else).
Sacred
Designated or exalted by a divine sanction; possessing the highest title to obedience, honor, reverence, or veneration; entitled to extreme reverence; venerable.
Holy
Set apart or dedicated for a specific purpose, or for use by a single entity or person.
Sacred
Not to be profaned or violated; inviolable.
Holy
(slang) Used as an intensifier in various interjections.
Holy cow, I can’t believe he actually lost the race!
Those children next door are holy terrors!
Sacred
(followed by the preposition "to") Consecrated; dedicated; devoted
Holy
(slang) An expression of astonishment and awe.
Sacred
(archaic) Solemnly devoted, in a bad sense, as to evil, vengeance, curse, or the like; accursed; baleful.
Holy
(archaic) A thing that is extremely holy; used almost exclusively in Holy of Holies.
Sacred
Simple past tense and past participle of sacre
Holy
Set apart to the service or worship of God; hallowed; sacred; reserved from profane or common use; holy vessels; a holy priesthood.
Sacred
Set apart by solemn religious ceremony; especially, in a good sense, made holy; set apart to religious use; consecrated; not profane or common; as, a sacred place; a sacred day; sacred service.
Holy
Spiritually whole or sound; of unimpaired innocence and virtue; free from sinful affections; pure in heart; godly; pious; irreproachable; guiltless; acceptable to God.
Now through her round of holy thoughtThe Church our annual steps has brought.
Sacred
Relating to religion, or to the services of religion; not secular; religious; as, sacred history.
Smit with the love of sacred song.
Holy
A sacred place of pilgrimage
Sacred
Designated or exalted by a divine sanction; possessing the highest title to obedience, honor, reverence, or veneration; entitled to extreme reverence; venerable.
Such neighbor nearness to our sacred [royal] bloodShould nothing privilege him.
Poet and saint to thee alone were given,The two most sacred names of earth and heaven.
Holy
Belonging to or derived from or associated with a divine power
Sacred
Hence, not to be profaned or violated; inviolable.
Secrets of marriage still are sacred held.
Sacred
Consecrated; dedicated; devoted; - with to.
A temple, sacred to the queen of love.
Sacred
Solemnly devoted, in a bad sense, as to evil, vengeance, curse, or the like; accursed; baleful.
But, to destruction sacred and devote.
Sacred
Concerned with religion or religious purposes;
Sacred texts
Sacred rites
Sacred music
Sacred
Worthy of respect or dedication;
Saw motherhood as woman's sacred calling
Sacred
Made or declared or believed to be holy; devoted to a deity or some religious ceremony or use;
A consecrated chursh
The sacred mosque
Sacred elephants
Sacred bread and wine
Sanctified wine
Sacred
Worthy of religious veneration;
The sacred name of Jesus
Jerusalem's hallowed soil
Sacred
(often followed by `to') devoted exclusively to a single use or purpose or person;
A fund sacred to charity
A morning hour sacred to study
A private office sacred to the President
Sacred
Sacred in a general or secular sense.
The library is a sacred place for knowledge
FAQs
Can something be both Holy and Sacred?
Yes, something can be both holy and sacred, like a religious text.
Can Sacred be non-religious?
Yes, sacred can refer to non-religious things that are highly revered, like a constitution.
What does Holy mean?
Holy generally refers to something that is divine or connected to a deity.
What does Sacred mean?
Sacred signifies something set apart for veneration, often for religious purposes.
Is Holy always religious?
Holy is primarily used in religious contexts but can sometimes be used more broadly.
Does Holy imply moral purity?
Often, holy carries an implication of moral or spiritual purity.
Can a place be Holy?
Yes, places like churches or temples are often considered holy.
Can people be Sacred?
People can be considered sacred if they hold a particular reverence or significance in a community.
Is Holy used more in specific religions?
Holy is widely used across various religions to describe divine aspects or moral purity.
Can people be Holy?
Yes, individuals considered morally pure or close to divinity are often termed holy.
Can Holy and Sacred be used interchangeably?
While closely related, they are not always interchangeable due to their different connotations.
Is Sacred always morally pure?
No, sacred signifies respect or veneration but not necessarily moral purity.
Can a place be Sacred?
Yes, both religious and non-religious places can be considered sacred.
Can animals be Holy or Sacred?
Yes, in some cultures and religions, certain animals are considered either holy or sacred.
Is Sacred more cultural or religious?
Sacred can be both, but it's often used in broader cultural and historical contexts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
