In the biblical context, the concept of "unclean" is primarily associated with the ceremonial laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. The declaration of something or someone as "unclean" had significant religious, social, and communal implications. This entry explores the various aspects of the unclean declaration as found in the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context

The laws concerning cleanliness and uncleanness are predominantly found in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These laws were given by God to the Israelites through Moses and were integral to maintaining the holiness and purity of the community. The term "unclean" (Hebrew: טָמֵא, tamei) refers to a state of ritual impurity that could result from various causes, including contact with certain animals, bodily discharges, skin diseases, and contact with the dead.

1. Animals and Food: Leviticus 11 provides a detailed list of animals considered clean and unclean. For example, Leviticus 11:4-8 states, "But of those that only chew the cud or have only a split hoof, you are not to eat: the camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is unclean for you." The dietary laws served to set the Israelites apart from other nations and to teach them about holiness.

2. Skin Diseases and Bodily Discharges: Leviticus 13 and 15 address various skin diseases (often translated as "leprosy") and bodily discharges, declaring those affected as unclean. Leviticus 13:3 instructs, "The priest is to examine the sore on his skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a leprous sore. The priest must examine him and pronounce him unclean."

3. Contact with the Dead: Numbers 19:11 states, "Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days." This law underscores the association of death with impurity and the need for purification rituals.

Purification and Restoration

The declaration of uncleanness was not necessarily permanent. The Law provided means for purification and restoration to a state of cleanliness. This often involved washing, sacrifices, and a period of waiting. For instance, Leviticus 14 outlines the process for the cleansing of a leper, which includes offerings and ceremonial washing.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles addressed the concept of uncleanness, often challenging the traditional interpretations and emphasizing the heart's condition over external rituals. In Mark 7:15 , Jesus teaches, "Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, but what comes out of a man, that is what defiles him." This shift highlights the transition from ceremonial law to the moral and spiritual purity emphasized in the New Covenant.

The apostle Peter's vision in Acts 10 further illustrates this change. In Acts 10:15 , a voice tells Peter, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision signified the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith and the abrogation of dietary restrictions.

Theological Significance

The unclean declaration in the Old Testament served as a constant reminder of the holiness required by God and the pervasive nature of sin and impurity. It pointed to the need for a Savior who would provide ultimate purification. The New Testament reveals that through Jesus Christ, believers are cleansed from sin and declared righteous before God, transcending the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant.