This adjective marks something as belonging to the divine sphere — consecrated, set apart, filled with sacred significance. Paul uses the neuter plural (τὰ ἱερά, 'sacred things') when arguing that those who serve at the temple altar eat from the temple offerings (1 Cor 9:13). Timothy is reminded of the 'sacred writings' (ἱερὰ γράμματα) he has known from childhood (2 Tim 3:15). The longer ending of Mark describes the 'sacred and imperishable proclamation' of eternal salvation (Mark 16:20). Spanish 'sagrado,' French 'sacré,' and German 'heilig' all distinguish this consecrated quality from mere moral goodness.