Topical Encyclopedia
The term "undefiled" is used in the Bible to describe purity, innocence, and a state of being untainted by sin or corruption. It is often associated with moral and spiritual integrity, reflecting a life that aligns with God's standards and commands.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the concept of being undefiled is frequently linked to the idea of ceremonial purity and holiness. The Hebrew word often translated as "undefiled" is "tamim," which conveys completeness, integrity, and blamelessness. For example, in
Psalm 119:1 , it is written, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD." Here, "blameless" is synonymous with being undefiled, emphasizing a life lived in accordance with God's law.
The notion of being undefiled also appears in the context of sacrificial offerings. In Leviticus, offerings presented to God were required to be without blemish, symbolizing the need for purity and perfection in worship (
Leviticus 1:3).
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the Greek word "amiantos" is used to describe something that is undefiled. This term appears in
Hebrews 7:26 , which speaks of Jesus Christ as the perfect High Priest: "Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." Here, "undefiled" underscores Christ's sinless nature and His unique qualification to mediate between God and humanity.
The concept of being undefiled is also applied to the Christian life. In
James 1:27 , the apostle James writes, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This passage highlights the practical outworking of an undefiled life, which involves both compassionate action and personal holiness.
Theological SignificanceTheologically, the idea of being undefiled is central to understanding the nature of God and His expectations for His people. God is depicted as holy and pure, and He calls His followers to reflect His character by living lives that are undefiled by sin. This call to holiness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace in enabling believers to live in a manner that honors Him.
In the context of salvation, the undefiled nature of Christ is crucial. As the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity, providing a way for believers to be reconciled to God and to stand before Him as blameless and pure.
Practical ImplicationsFor Christians, striving to live an undefiled life involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. It also requires vigilance against the influences of the world that can lead to moral compromise. By relying on the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to pursue a life of holiness, reflecting the purity and righteousness of Christ in their daily conduct.
In summary, the biblical concept of being undefiled encompasses both a state of spiritual purity and a call to live a life that is pleasing to God. It is a reminder of the high standard of holiness to which believers are called and the grace available through Christ to attain it.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
UNDEFILEDun-de-fild': In the Old Testament tam, "perfect," presents the positive side. Hence,Psalm 119:1 is translated in the Revised Version: "Blessed are they that are perfect in the way." In the New Testament amiantos, presents the negative side, "unstained" "unsullied" "without taint." Used to describe the sinlessness of Christ (Hebrews 7:26), to declare the marriage act free from all guilt, disgrace or shame (Hebrews 13:4), to contrast the heavenly inheritance with earthly possessions (1 Peter 1:4).
Greek
283. amiantos --undefiled...undefiled. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: amiantos Phonetic Spelling:
(am-ee'-an-tos) Short Definition:
undefiled, untainted Definition:
undefiled...784. aspilos -- spotless, unstained
... unstained. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: aspilos Phonetic Spelling:
(as'-pee-los) Short Definition: unstained,undefiled Definition: unstained...
53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement, holy, sacred
... 53 (an adjective, which may be cognate with 40 , "holy," so , 1, 122) -- properly,
to the); (chaste, unadultered); pure ; because (undefiled from sin), ie...
Strong's Hebrew
8535. tam -- complete... one (2). coupled together, perfect, plain,
undefiled, upright. From tamam;
complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically, gentle
...8549. tamim -- complete, sound
... defect (36). without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely ity, sound,
without spot,undefiled,. From tamam; entire (literally...
Library
My Dove, MyUndefiled, is but One; She is the Only one of Her...
... CHAPTER VI. 8. My dove, myundefiled, is but one; she is the only one of
her mother; she is the choice one of her that bare her....
"Honorable," Therefore, "Is Marriage in All, and the BedUndefiled...
... Section 8. "Honorable," therefore, "is marriage in all, and the bed
undefiled.? 8. "Honorable," therefore, "is marriage in all...
Whittier. True Worship andUndefiled.
... SUPPLEMENT. 578. 11 & 10s. M. Whittier. True Worship andUndefiled. 1 O,
he whom Jesus loved has truly spoken! The holier worship...
Psalm CXIX.
... bliss, which there is no one who desireth not....And therefore this is the lesson
which he teacheth, who saith, "Blessed are those that areundefiled in the way...
As He Purposes to Establish the Godhead of the Holy Spirit by the...
... Scriptures; for it is written: "For in Wisdom is a Spirit of understanding, holy,
one only, manifold, subtle, easy to move, eloquent,undefiled." [1407] The...
Songs from 'the Water-Babies'
... cool and clear, By shining shingle, and foaming wear; Under the crag where the ouzel
sings, And the ivied wall where the church-bell rings,Undefiled, for the...
The Answer to the Effect that Bad Men Cannot Possess True...
... And the Psalmist also sees that this system ought to be followed, when he says:
"Blessed are they that areundefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord...
Psalm XIX.
... 8. "The law of the Lord isundefiled, converting souls" (ver.7). The law of the
Lord, therefore, is Himself who came to fulfil the law, not to destroy it; [557...
Guiltless and Without Sin.
... "For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless,undefiled, separate
from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.""Hebrews 7:26....
Christ the Redeemer
... To an inheritance incorruptible andundefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved
in heaven for you.' 1 Peter 1:1. (1.) To an inheritance.... (3.)Undefiled....
Thesaurus
Undefiled (7 Occurrences)...UNDEFILED. un-de-fild': In the Old Testament tam, "perfect," presents the positive
side.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Undefiled (7 Occurrences).
...Pure (160 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 7:26 For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless,undefiled,
separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (See NIV)....
Unstained (4 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 7:26 For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless,undefiled,
separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (See RSV)....
Clean (298 Occurrences)
... 2. Ceremonial: The principal use was the ceremonial; applied to persons, places
or things, "undefiled," "not causing defilement," or "from which defilement has...
Virginity (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of being a virgin;undefiled
purity or chastity; maidenhood. 2. (n.) The unmarried life; celibacy. Int....
Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... a virgin blush. 7. (a.) Pure;undefiled; unmixed; fresh; new; as, virgin
soil; virgin gold. 8. (a.) Not yet pregnant. 9. (vi) To...
Knocks (5 Occurrences)
... It is the voice of my beloved who knocks: "Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove,
myundefiled; for my head is filled with dew, and my hair with the dampness...
Knocketh (4 Occurrences)
... of Songs 5:2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh,
saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, myundefiled: for my...
Needed (59 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 7:26 Moreover we needed just such a High Priest as this--holy, guileless,
undefiled, far removed from sinful men and exalted above the heavens; (WEY)....
Nanaea
... and Persians and other Asiatic peoples, the Nana or Nanai of the Babylonians, known
as "the lady of Babylon." The name means "theundefiled," and probably...
Resources
What is pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the marriage bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4)? | GotQuestions.orgMarital Unity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgUndefiled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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