King James Bible Dictionary

Denotes, (1) the Holy Land (Exodus 15:17; comp. Psalms 114:2); (2) the temple (1 Chronicles 22:19; 2 Chronicles 29:21); (3) the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8; Leviticus 12:4; 21:12); (4) the holy place, the place of the Presence (Gr. hieron, the temple-house; not the naos, which is the temple area, with its courts and porches), Leviticus 4:6; Ephesians 2:21, R.V., marg.; (5) God's holy habitation in heaven (Psalms 102:19). In the final state there is properly "no sanctuary" (Revelation 21:22), for God and the Lamb "are the sanctuary" (R.V., "temple"). All is there hallowed by the Divine Presence; all is sancturary.

The holy of holies.

In the tabernacle
Hebrews 9:2

Divine dwelling place
Exodus 25:8

Reverence for
Leviticus 19:30; Leviticus 26:2

High priest in charge of
Exodus 27:21; Leviticus 24:3; Numbers 18:5

The holy place in the temple
Lamentations 2:7; Lamentations 2:20; Ezekiel 42:20

Figurative
Ezekiel 11:16

Symbolic
Hebrews 8:2; Hebrews 8:5
Tabernacle; Temple

SANC'TUARY, noun [Latin sanctuarium, from sanctus, sacred.]

1. A sacred place; particularly among the Israelites, the most retired part of the temple at Jerusalem, called the Holy of Holies, in which was kept the ark of the covenant, and into which no person was permitted to enter except the high priest, and that only once a year to intercede for the people. The same name was given to the most sacred part of the tabernacle. Leviticus 4:6.

Hebrews 9:1.

2. The temple at Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 20:8.

3. A house consecrated to the worship of God; a place where divine service is performed. Psalms 73:17.

Hence sanctuary is used for a church.

4. In catholic churches, that part of a church where the altar is placed, encompassed with a balustrade.

5. A place of protection; a sacred asylum. Hence a sanctuary-man is one that resorts to a sanctuary for protection.

6. Shelter; protection.

Some relics of painting took sanctuary under ground.