S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The phrase "holy, holy, holy" appears twice in the Bible, once in the Old Testament (Isaiah 6:3) and once in the New (Revelation 4:8). Both times, the phrase is spoken or sung by heavenly creatures...

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July 01 2013 • 4 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ed Besselman Supporter

In Isaiah 6:3 And one (seraphim) cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 

God is holy, holy, holy. In our English, this can be looked at as 1 + 1 + 1. Some would say that this describes the Trinity. But in Hebrew... holy, holy, holy is interpreted as 1 x 10 x 100. It is a multiplication factor. Since the same word is stated 3 time in a row, Jewish readers would understand the tremendous immensity and emphasis on God's holiness. Being much, much greater than if holy was stated just once or twice.

In Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

This New Testament declaration relates to the holiness of the Lord God Almighty in the past (holy) in the present (holy) and in the future (holy). 

So we serve a Holy, Holy, Holy God. 

Remember... God has commanded us to be holy... I Peter 1:15-16 But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

August 26 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that God is "holy, holy, holy"?

Calling God holy three times is the Bible's strongest way of declaring His holiness to be absolute, complete, and without equal. In Scripture, a triple repetition signals totality and perfection. This cry appears in two throne‑room visions—Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8—where heavenly beings proclaim God's holiness without ceasing.

Why is the word repeated three times?

Intensification: In Hebrew and Greek expressions, repeating a word three times gives it the highest possible emphasis.

Completeness: The triple form communicates that God's holiness is perfect in every aspect—His moral purity, His sovereign authority, and His divine otherness.

Heaven's worship: Seraphim and the living creatures declare this continually, showing that holiness is the defining reality of God's presence.

What it means for believers:

Saying "holy, holy, holy" is an act of worship. It acknowledges:

God's incomparable majesty

His flawless moral character

His absolute reliability and authority

Our proper posture of awe, humility, and surrender

It also expresses the calling of God's people: to be drawn into His holiness, transformed by it, and to reflect it in life and worship.

How "holy, holy, holy" brings clarity:

God's holiness is not a vague spiritual glow; it is the pure, undiluted reality of who He is. The triple declaration strips away distortion and reveals God with sharpness.

God is not divided: No mixture of light and darkness exists in Him.

God is not unpredictable: His purity makes His character steady and trustworthy.

God is not hiding: Holiness means transparency—He is exactly who He reveals Himself to be.

God is not like us: His purity is essential, not acquired. He is holiness.

This clarity not only illuminates God—it illuminates us. Holiness exposes what is true, reveals what needs healing or refining, and steadies the heart rather than condemning it. (Revelation 4:8)

The threefold cry intensifies the affirmation of God's holiness. It declares that He is the source and standard of all purity. 

Because He is "the Most Holy One," He deserves worship that is clean, sincere, and rooted in reverence (Proverbs 9:10).

And, accordingly, God instructed the prophet Moses to tell the Israelites: "And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 'Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, "Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy."'"—Leviticus 19:1, 2.ESV.

Conclusion:

"Holy, holy, holy" is heaven's cry that reveals God with perfect clarity. When the seraphim speak these words, they are not repeating themselves—they are declaring the fullness of who God is. 

His holiness is pure, steady, and without shadow. As you hear this cry, let it clear your vision: God is not divided, not unpredictable, not hiding. He is perfectly good. 

Stand before Him with humility, letting His holiness illuminate your heart. Whatever He reveals, He reveals to cleanse, steady, and draw you closer. Worship the One who is holy in every way—and let His holiness shape your life.

"Holy, holy, holy" is Scripture's strongest declaration that God's holiness is absolute and complete. 

It strips away distortion and shows God exactly as He is—undivided, transparent, and utterly good.

1 day ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report