The word hallowed is most often remembered from the Lord’s Prayer, when Jesus teaches His disciples to pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9, KJV). It carries deep meaning that connects holiness, reverence, and worship. To “hallow” something means to make it holy, to set it apart, or to treat it with the greatest respect.
In the Bible, hallowed points us to God’s holiness and our call to honor Him in word and life.
The Meaning of Hallowed
The word hallowed comes from the same root as holy. To hallow is not simply to respect but to set something apart as sacred. When we pray that God’s name be hallowed, we are asking that His character, reputation, and presence be honored above all else.
- Sacredness – Something made holy and set apart for God.
- Reverence – A call to worship and respect His name.
- Action – Not just what we say, but how we live out His holiness.
Hallowed in the Lord’s Prayer
Jesus begins the Lord’s Prayer by focusing not on human needs but on God’s glory:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. — Matthew 6:9 (KJV)
Here, hallowed is both a declaration and a request. We declare that God’s name is already holy, and we ask that the world would see and honor that holiness.
Hallowing God’s Name in the Old Testament
The theme of hallowing God’s name runs throughout the Old Testament. God repeatedly calls His people to treat His name with reverence.
You shall not profane my holy name, but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel. — Leviticus 22:32 (KJV)
In this verse, God links His holiness with His people’s responsibility. They are not to treat His name lightly but to live in a way that reflects His holiness.
How Believers Hallow God’s Name
Hallowing God’s name is not just a phrase in prayer—it is a way of life. When Christians live in obedience, they bring honor to God’s name. When they walk in sin, they profane it.
Some ways to hallow God’s name daily:
- Living with integrity and honesty.
- Worshiping God with reverence.
- Treating others with love and grace.
- Sharing the gospel faithfully.
Bible Verses on Hallowing God’s Name
| Verse | Reference | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Hallowed be thy name. — Matthew 6:9 |
Matthew 6:9 | Jesus teaches reverence for God’s name in prayer. |
I will be hallowed among the children of Israel. — Leviticus 22:32 |
Leviticus 22:32 | God demands His people treat His name as holy. |
Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear. — Isaiah 8:13 |
Isaiah 8:13 | To hallow God is to fear Him rightly. |
I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen. — Ezekiel 36:23 |
Ezekiel 36:23 | God promises to restore honor to His holy name. |
Living a Hallowed Life
The idea of hallowed goes beyond words. It shapes how Christians live. To hallow God’s name means to lift Him above all idols, to honor Him in both private devotion and public witness.
Jesus’ teaching reminds us that prayer starts with God’s holiness before our needs. When His name is hallowed in our lives, others can see His glory through us.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. — 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
This verse connects hallowing God with living ready to give testimony of His hope.
