Dictionary of Bible Themes – 7342 cleanliness
Resources chevron-right Dictionary of Bible Themes chevron-right 7000 God’s people chevron-right 7300 Institutions and culture of OT chevron-right 7342 cleanliness
7342 cleanliness

7342 cleanliness

Careful, fastidious attention to personal hygiene, particularly important in the climate of the Near East. In Scripture, sin is associated with lack of cleanliness, whereas redemption and baptism are linked with washing.

Cleanliness through bathing

As part of general personal hygiene Ru 3:1-3 See also Jn 13:10

For cleansing from uncleanness Lev 17:15-16 See also Lev 14:8-9; Lev 15:13; 2Ki 5:9-14

Cleanliness through washing feet

A customary practice after a journey Ge 19:1-2 See also Ge 18:1-5; Ge 24:32; Ge 43:24; 1Sa 25:40-42; 2Sa 11:6-8; Lk 7:36-47

As a sign of humility and love Jn 13:2-17 See also 1Ti 5:9-10

Cleanliness through washing clothes

As part of general personal hygiene Isa 7:3 See also 2Ki 18:17 pp Isa 36:2

For cleansing from uncleanness Lev 11:40 See also Ex 19:10-11,14-15; Lev 13:6; Lev 16:26; Nu 8:7; Nu 19:21

Cleanliness through washing faces and hands

Mt 6:16-18 See also Ex 30:18-21; Ex 40:30-31; Mt 15:2

Cleanliness through washing infants at birth

Eze 16:4-5

Cleansing agents

Jer 2:22 See also Job 9:30-31; Mal 3:2

The Pharisees’concern with outer cleanliness to the exclusion of inner purity

Mk 7:1-23 pp Mt 15:1-20 See also Lk 11:37-41

Cleanliness used metaphorically

Lack of cleanliness associated with sin Zec 3:1-7 See also Isa 4:4; Mt 12:43-45 pp Lk 11:24-26

Cleanliness associated with righteousness and purity Rev 19:14 See also Jer 4:14; Eph 5:25-27; Tit 3:4-7; Jas 4:8; Rev 15:6; Rev 19:8

Baptism compared to washing away sins Ac 22:16 See also 1Pe 3:21-22

See also

4293water
5129bathing
5153foot-washing
5226basin
5655birth
6151dirt
7340clean and unclean
7348defilement
7416purification
7426ritual washing
7478washing
8324purity

Bible Gateway Recommends