Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the concept of being "soiled" often carries a metaphorical meaning, referring to spiritual impurity or moral defilement. The imagery of soiling is used throughout Scripture to illustrate the effects of sin and the need for purification and righteousness.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of being soiled is frequently associated with ritual impurity and the need for cleansing. For instance, in the book of Leviticus, various laws are given to the Israelites concerning cleanliness and uncleanliness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity before God. Leviticus 13:6 discusses the examination of skin diseases, where the priest is to declare a person clean or unclean, illustrating the broader principle of spiritual purity. The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of soiled garments to describe the sinful state of the people of Israel. Isaiah 64:6 states, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away." This verse highlights the inadequacy of human righteousness apart from divine intervention. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of being soiled is further developed in the context of spiritual defilement and the call to holiness. The book of Revelation uses the imagery of soiled garments to describe those who have not remained faithful to Christ. Revelation 3:4 says, "But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white." The Apostle Paul also addresses the theme of spiritual purity in his letters. In 2 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, Paul emphasizes the need for believers to actively pursue holiness and avoid anything that might spiritually soil them. Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of being soiled underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the necessity of divine cleansing. The Bible consistently teaches that human efforts alone are insufficient to achieve true purity. Instead, it is through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ that believers are cleansed and made righteous. Hebrews 9:14 affirms this, stating, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works, so that we may serve the living God!" The imagery of soiled garments serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's grace. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, continually seeking to be cleansed from sin and to walk in the righteousness provided through faith in Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Soil.Greek 3435. moluno -- to stain, defile ... and met. 3435 -- properly, to soil, make mucky (dirty); (figuratively) defile; (passive) become spiritually besmirched (soiled). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3435.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 2611. chaneph -- profane, irreligious... hypocritical. From chaneph; soiled (ie With sin), impious -- hypocrite(-ical). see HEBREW chaneph. 2610, 2611. chaneph. 2612 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/2611.htm - 6k 6674. tso -- filthy Library Breaking with God. A Servant of Servants Letter iv. Personal Habits. The Beginning of the Gospel. The Trials and visions of Devout Youth God's Need of Men who Pray Ephesians i. 15-20 The Foot-Washing. Be not Deceived; God is not Mocked. The Moral Reactions of Prayer Thesaurus Soiled (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Soil. Multi-Version Concordance Soiled (1 Occurrence). Revelation 3:4 Yet you have in Sardis ... /s/soiled.htm - 6k Soil (59 Occurrences) Cormorant (4 Occurrences) Soiling (1 Occurrence) Shabby (1 Occurrence) Stain (6 Occurrences) Hoopoe (2 Occurrences) Hat Discomfiture (6 Occurrences) Jude (4 Occurrences) Resources What was Jesus' message to the church in Sardis in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are all of our righteous acts considered filthy rags? | GotQuestions.org Soiled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Soiled (1 Occurrence)Revelation 3:4 Subtopics Related Terms |