What is a…
sanctuary

In the Bible, this word is used to refer to…

1. the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8; Leviticus 12:4; 21:12)

2. the temple (1 Chronicles 22:19; 2 Chronicles 29:21)

3. the holy place, the place of the Presence (Greek: hieron, the temple-house; not the naos, which is the temple area, with its courts and porches), Leviticus 4:6; Ephesians 2:21, Revised King James Version, marginal note

4. the Holy Land (Exodus 15:17; compare Psalm 114:2)

5. God’s holy habitation in heaven (Psalm 102:19)

In the final state, there is properly “no sanctuary” (Rev. 21:22), for God and the Lamb “are the sanctuary” (Revised King James Version, “temple”). All is there hallowed by the Divine Presence; all is sancturary.

More information

• What is the Holy Tabernacle? and what is its significance?
• What are the temples mentioned in the Bible?
• What is the Holy Place?
• What is holiness?
• What is the habitation of God?
• Heaven
• What are the Cities of Refuge?
• What are the CITIES OF THE BIBLE? Names, descriptions, locations and types