The term "defiledst" is an archaic form of the verb "defile," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. To "defile" means to make unclean or impure, particularly in a ceremonial or moral sense. This concept is significant in biblical teachings, as it often relates to the holiness and purity required by God from His people.

Ceremonial Defilement

In the Old Testament, the concept of defilement is closely associated with the ceremonial laws given to the Israelites. These laws were intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation. Defilement could occur through contact with unclean animals, dead bodies, or through certain diseases, such as leprosy. Leviticus 11-15 provides detailed instructions on what constitutes ceremonial defilement and the necessary rituals for purification. For example, Leviticus 11:44-45 states, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves with any creature that crawls along the ground."

Moral and Spiritual Defilement

Beyond ceremonial impurity, the Bible also addresses moral and spiritual defilement. This type of defilement arises from sinful actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's commandments. In the prophetic writings, Israel is often accused of defiling itself through idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Ezekiel 20:43 highlights this, saying, "There you will remember your ways and all your deeds by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evils you have done."

Defilement in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ redefines the understanding of defilement, emphasizing the condition of the heart over external rituals. In Mark 7:15 , Jesus teaches, "Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him." This shift underscores the importance of inner purity and righteousness over mere outward observance of the law.

Application for Believers

For Christians, the concept of defilement serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the need for spiritual purity. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to avoid moral defilement and to live lives that honor God. In 2 Corinthians 7:1 , Paul writes, "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."

Conclusion

The biblical concept of defilement encompasses both ceremonial and moral aspects, reflecting the broader theme of holiness that permeates Scripture. While the Old Testament focuses on external rituals, the New Testament shifts the focus to the heart, urging believers to pursue purity and righteousness in their relationship with God.

Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ...
... And at last, thou saidst to the priest, "Go out with thy like"; and didst burst,
contrary to permission, into the sanctuary, and defiledst the Holy of holies ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter viii to demophilus therapeutes.htm

A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
... Thou wert wanton, boil not over like water; because thou wentest up to thy father's
bed; then defiledst thou the couch to which thou wentest up." [3050] And so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to.htm

Defiledst (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Defiledst (1 Occurrence). Genesis 49:4 Unstable
as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up ...
/d/defiledst.htm - 6k

Defilement (12 Occurrences)

/d/defilement.htm - 21k

Unstable (8 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to
thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch. ...
/u/unstable.htm - 8k

Wentest (16 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to
thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch. ...
/w/wentest.htm - 11k

Impetuous (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:4 Impetuous as the waters, thou shalt have no pre-eminence; Because thou
wentest up to thy father's couch: Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my ...
/i/impetuous.htm - 7k

Excellency (53 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:4 Boiling over as water, thou shalt not have the pre-eminence; Because
thou wentest up to thy father's bed; Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my ...
/e/excellency.htm - 25k

Pre-eminence (6 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:4 Boiling over as water, thou shalt not have the pre-eminence; Because
thou wentest up to thy father's bed; Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my ...
/p/pre-eminence.htm - 8k

Bedstead (1 Occurrence)
... into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed"); mishkabh, compare (Genesis 49:4, Jacob
to Reuben: "Because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it ...
/b/bedstead.htm - 18k

Bedchamber (6 Occurrences)
... into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed"); mishkabh, compare (Genesis 49:4, Jacob
to Reuben: "Because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it ...
/b/bedchamber.htm - 20k

Bed (142 Occurrences)
... into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed"); mishkabh, compare (Genesis 49:4, Jacob
to Reuben: "Because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it ...
/b/bed.htm - 52k

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