The city of “Jerusalem” (Hierousalem), which is also spelled “Hierosoluma” in some places in  Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and Galatians, described the city of Jerusalem as well as its inhabitants.  This alternative spelling for Jerusalem is first used in Mt. 23:37.  It is found most often in the books of Luke and Acts.  Aside from the books, it is limited to Mk. 11:1; Rom. 15:19, 25; 15:26, 31; 1 Cor. 16:3; Gal. 4:25-26; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 3:12; 21:2; 21:10.

Limited to Rom. 15:16, the Greek verb “hierourgeo” meant “serve as a priest” or “perform holy service.”  This word describes the actions, behavior, and attitude of a priest when performing some type of “holy service.”  Additionally, we see the implied meaning of the priest realizing the sacredness and seriousness of his actions.

Limited to Rom. 2:22, the Greek adjective “hierosuleo” meant “robe temples.”  The Dictionary of New Testament Theology (2:235) suggested this “alludes to a problem frequently aired in Rab. discussion.  To what extent was it permissible to do business in pagan-temple utensils and property, although they were ritually unclean?  Under certain circumstances such dealings were allowed, if they contributed to the damaging of the pagan cult.  Paul seems to be rejecting such devious practices.”  This “verse may also allude to the practice of some Jews of removing gold and silver idols from shrines for private profit” (ibid).

Limited to 1 Cor. 9:13 and 2 Tim. 3:15, the Greek adjective “hieros” meant “sacred” or “holy.”  In 1 Cor. 9:13, this word is used to describe pagan temples.  In 2 Tim. 3:15, this word describes “sacred” writings.

Limited to Tit. 2:3, the Greek adjective “hieroprepes” meant “holy” or “worthy of reverence.”  While Paul associated this word with women, it applies to all people.

Aside from 1 Cor. 9:13, the Greek adjective “hieron” is limited to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts.  This term, which meant “temple” or “sanctuary,” is used several times in each of these books.  This term first occurs in conjunction with Jesus’ temptations in Mt. 4:5.  Acts 2:46 tells us the first Christians used the Jewish temple as a place to assemble.

Limited to 1 Cor. 10:28 in some manuscripts, the Greek adjective “hierothutos” was a term used by the pagans to describe the sacrifices to their deities.  Pagans saw their sacrifices as “sacred offerings.”  Paul used a different word in 1 Cor. 8:1 to describe these same sacrifices.