What does the word saint mean in the bible?

Answer 1

There are two meanings in common usage. The first is The Bible meaning, appropriate here since this question is listed under Bible. All believers, according to the Bible, particularly the New Testament, are saints and are addressed as such. This is so since every believer is born again by the power of God and is washed in the blood of Jesus. This precious blood thus cleanses them of sin and they are thus designated as saints, although not perfect.

In the light of this believers are repeatedly addressed as saints in the New Testament. This is the true and biblical meaning of the word.

In other contexts the word saint has come to mean something rather narrower as special individuals with particular holiness etc. The New Testament concept is much broader in that holiness is meant to be the normal experience of every believer, the 'normal Christian life' as Watchman Nee put it, rather than the province of a select few. The narrower idea also fosters the tendency for the common masses of churchgoers to think that such holiness is not expected or attainable, and that being a member of a church and performing a few religious rites, according to the requirements of a particular religious denomination is sufficient, and that 'sainthood' is not for all or expected.

The Bible, in particular the New Testament, knows no such distinction as all believers are saints and are expected to behave as such, which is why church discipline can and should apply when they are not, in any serious or unrepentant sense. There are not two (or more) classes of believers as 'all are one in Christ Jesus', and all, from the highest to the lowest are subject both to 'one another' and to Jesus Christ as the head and Lord of all.

10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. In addition of the application of 'sainthood' to 'all them that believe' , the New Testament is also clear that this is not something to which they have personally attainedby a holy life but it is bestowed upon them from above as part of the new birth, and believers are urged to live holy or 'saintly' lives consistent with their high calling. 5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Answer 2

a notable holy person.

According to the New Testament all Christians are saints and are frequently so addressed. The idea that people with special holiness are saints and the rest of the Christian community are 'ordinary' is an idea which is foreign to the Bible.

Answer 3

The word "saint" as used in the bible is applied to any person who believes on God's Son. Jesus Christ.