Hallowed
The word “hallow” is used several times in the Old
Testament, but only twice in the New. The two recorded instances are
both within the context of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 and Luke 11.
“Hallow” comes from the Greek HAGIAZO meaning “to make holy, signifies
to set apart for God, to sanctify, to make a person or thing the
opposite of common; it is translated “Hallowed” with reference to the
Name of God the Father...” (Vine’s, p. 520).
Within the context of the Lord’s prayer, to “hallow” God’s name means
to…
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Set Him apart. Our relationship to God is to be placed on a higher plane than any other relationship in our lives.
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Respect his nature. The prayer reads, “Hallowed be Your name” (Lk. 11:2). The “name” of God does not refer just to the name He is called. It implies His character, nature and authority.
Psalm 9:10 says, “...those who know Your name will put their trust in You…” We trust God because of who He is, not because of what He is called.
October 2005