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In the biblical context, the concept of clean bodies is closely associated with the ideas of purity, holiness, and ritual cleanliness. The Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, provides numerous instructions regarding physical cleanliness, which often symbolizes spiritual purity and obedience to God's commandments.

Old Testament Context

The laws concerning cleanliness are primarily found in the Pentateuch, especially in the books of Leviticus and Numbers. These laws were given to the Israelites as part of the Mosaic Covenant and were intended to set them apart as a holy nation.Leviticus 11-15 outlines various regulations regarding clean and unclean animals, skin diseases, bodily discharges, and other conditions that could render a person ceremonially unclean.

For instance,Leviticus 11:47 states, "You must distinguish between the clean and the unclean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten." This distinction was not only about dietary laws but also about maintaining a state of ritual purity. The Israelites were required to wash their bodies and clothes after coming into contact with anything deemed unclean (Leviticus 15:5-11).

The concept of cleanliness extended to the priests, who had to adhere to strict purity laws before performing their duties in the Tabernacle or Temple.Exodus 30:18-21 describes the bronze basin used for washing, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness before approaching God: "Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made by fire to the LORD, they must wash with water, so that they will not die."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from ritual cleanliness to spiritual purity. Jesus Christ challenged the Pharisees and religious leaders who emphasized external cleanliness while neglecting the purity of the heart. InMatthew 23:25-26, Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of cleanliness in a spiritual sense. In2 Corinthians 7:1, he exhorts believers, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Here, the emphasis is on moral and spiritual purity, aligning one's life with the holiness of God.

Symbolism and Spiritual Application

The biblical emphasis on clean bodies serves as a metaphor for spiritual purity and the sanctification process. The physical act of washing and maintaining cleanliness is symbolic of the inner cleansing that God desires for His people.Psalm 51:7 reflects this spiritual truth: "Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

Baptism in the New Testament further illustrates this symbolism. It represents the washing away of sins and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Acts 22:16 encourages, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name."

Practical Implications

While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are not binding on Christians today, the principles of cleanliness and purity remain relevant. Believers are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, both in body and spirit. This involves not only physical cleanliness but also moral integrity and spiritual devotion.

In summary, the biblical teaching on clean bodies underscores the importance of purity and holiness, both externally and internally. It serves as a reminder of God's desire for His people to be set apart, living in a manner that honors Him and reflects His character.1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
Topicalbible.org

Mark 7:18-19
And he said to them, Are you so without understanding also? Do you not perceive, that whatever thing from without enters into the man, it cannot defile him;
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Leviticus 11:1-47
And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them,
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On the Ten Points of Doctrine.
... of unbounded license; who recognise seasons of abstinence, that they may give
themselves unto prayer [725] ; who in our assemblies bringclean bodies as well...

Happy are Ye WhoseBodies have Been Made to Shine!
... him into the pit."Holy was the prophet in his befoulment,"forclean was his... Turn
not again to uncleanness,"for there is but one cleansing of yourbodies!...

Spiritual Almsgiving
... justice and the love of God." "This kind of almsgiving would make youclean from
all inward defilement, just as thebodies which you wash are madeclean by you...

To Give Alms Aright, we Should Begin with Ourselves, and have Pity...
... things; "and pass over judgment and the love of God," an alms by which ye might
have been madeclean from all inward impurity, so that even thebodies which ye...

On Incorporeal and Corporeal Beings.
... For the language of Job, "the stars are notclean in His sight," seems to me... possess
life and reason, were endowed with a soul along with theirbodies at the...

First Catechetical Lecture of Our Holy Father Cyril,
... own sins, hear the voice of the Prophet saying, Wash you, make youclean, put away...
Christ at the new birth of Baptism: new birth I mean not ofbodies, but the...

The Forgiveness of Sins.
... When we come devoutly to Holy Communion our sinfulbodies are madeclean by Christ's
Body, and our souls washed in His most Precious Blood, and our sins are...

The Apostle Has Made Known to us Certain Three Unions...
... Because forsooth to men over-clean true flesh is an evil, and false flesh instead
of... the side of souls it pertains unto Christ, on the side ofbodies unto the...

Whether Immersion in Water is Necessary for Baptism?
... Heb.10:22): "Let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our
hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and ourbodies washed withclean water...

Instructions to Catechumens.
... For it does not make those who have touched deadbodies clean, but those who have
set their hand to dead works: and if any man be effeminate, or a fornicator...

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Clean: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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