In the context of the Bible, the concept of being "unclean" pertains to a state of ritual impurity, which could result from various causes, including certain diseases, bodily discharges, contact with dead bodies, or consumption of prohibited foods. The laws concerning uncleanness are primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers.

Levitical Laws on Uncleanness

The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on what constitutes uncleanness and the procedures for purification. Leviticus 13 and 14 address skin diseases, commonly translated as "leprosy," though the term likely covers a range of skin conditions. Men afflicted with such diseases were considered unclean and were required to live outside the camp until they were healed and declared clean by a priest. Leviticus 13:45-46 states, "A diseased person must wear torn clothes and let his hair hang loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp."

Leviticus 15 outlines laws regarding bodily discharges, which rendered a man unclean. This included any abnormal discharge from the body, as well as normal emissions such as semen. The passage specifies that anyone who touches the man or anything he has touched becomes unclean until evening and must wash their clothes and bathe in water.

Contact with the Dead

Numbers 19 provides instructions for those who become unclean through contact with a dead body. Such individuals were required to undergo a purification process involving the ashes of a red heifer mixed with water. Numbers 19:11-12 states, "Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. He must purify himself with the water on the third day and the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean."

Theological Significance

The laws of uncleanness served several purposes. They were a constant reminder of the holiness required by God and the separation between the sacred and the profane. The state of uncleanness was not necessarily a moral failing but a ritual condition that required rectification before one could participate in communal worship and activities. These laws underscored the need for purity and the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's ministry often involved interactions with those considered unclean, such as lepers and those with bodily discharges. His healing of these individuals demonstrated His authority over the laws of purity and His compassion for those marginalized by society. For instance, in Mark 1:40-42 , a leper approached Jesus, saying, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." Moved with compassion, Jesus touched him and said, "I am willing. Be clean!" Immediately, the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.

The New Testament also emphasizes the internal aspect of purity, shifting the focus from external ritual purity to the purity of the heart. In Mark 7:18-23 , Jesus teaches that it is not what enters a man from the outside that defiles him, but what comes from within, such as evil thoughts and actions.

Conclusion

The concept of uncleanness in the Bible highlights the importance of holiness and the need for purification to approach God. While the Old Testament provides detailed laws on maintaining ritual purity, the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these laws in Christ, who offers spiritual cleansing and restoration.