Saint

In general, the term Saint refers to someone who is exceptionally virtuous and holy. It can be applied to both the living and the dead and is an acceptable term in most of the world's popular religions. The Saint is held up by the community as an example of how we all should act, and his or her life story is usually recorded for the edification of future generations.

Etymology

The term Saint is derived from the Latin Sanctus meaning “Holy”. This is a direct translation from the Greek word άγιος (hagios) also meaning “Holy”. In its original scriptural usage it simply means “Holy” or “Sanctified”. In this form it can be applied to a “Holy” person, a place (αγιον αρος - The Holy Mountain), a thing, such as Scripture itself (αγιογράφικα - Holy Writing), or even God (αγιον Πνεῦμα - The Holy Spirit). But very soon the early Christians began to using the term “Saint” more narrowly to refer to a specific, exemplary individual. (For a lexical explanation, see Liddel & Scott. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3D%23525)

Related Topics:
Latin - Greek - Holy Mountain - Scripture - The Holy Spirit

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The earliest known occurrence of άγιος as "Saint" seems to be in The Shepherd of Hermas, chapter 5 (or 13, depending on how chapters are counted), verse 2. "The Shepherd" was authored at about the same time as 2 Peter.

Related Topics:
The Shepherd of Hermas - 2 Peter

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Short form

Abbreviation for the term Saint is usually “St.” In cases where multiple Saints are referenced SS. is the norm.

Related Topics:
Abbreviation - St

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