The concepts of "clean" and "unclean" are pivotal in the biblical narrative, particularly within the Old Testament, where they are primarily associated with the Levitical laws. These terms are not merely about physical cleanliness but encompass ceremonial, moral, and spiritual dimensions. Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending the broader biblical themes of holiness, purity, and the relationship between God and His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the terms "clean" and "unclean" are extensively detailed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These laws were given to the Israelites to set them apart as a holy nation dedicated to God. The distinction between clean and unclean was a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for His people to live in a manner that reflects His character.

1. Ceremonial Cleanliness: Leviticus chapters 11-15 provide detailed instructions on what is considered clean and unclean. This includes dietary laws (Leviticus 11), laws concerning childbirth (Leviticus 12), skin diseases (Leviticus 13-14), and bodily discharges (Leviticus 15). For example, Leviticus 11:47 states, "You must distinguish between the clean and the unclean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not."

2. Moral and Spiritual Implications: The laws of clean and unclean also have moral and spiritual implications. They symbolize the separation between sin and righteousness. In Leviticus 19:2 , God commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" The call to holiness is intertwined with the observance of these laws.

3. Purification Rituals: The process of becoming clean after being declared unclean often involved specific rituals, such as washing, sacrifices, and waiting periods. These rituals underscored the seriousness of approaching God and the need for purification from defilement.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from external observance to internal purity. Jesus Christ and the apostles address the deeper spiritual significance of clean and unclean, emphasizing the condition of the heart over ritualistic adherence.

1. Jesus' Teachings: Jesus challenged the Pharisaic interpretation of the law, which often emphasized external compliance over internal transformation. In Mark 7:15 , Jesus declares, "Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, but what comes out of a man, that is what defiles him." This teaching highlights that true defilement comes from within, from the heart's intentions and actions.

2. Peter's Vision: In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision of a sheet containing all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean. A voice tells him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat" (Acts 10:13). When Peter objects, the voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This vision signifies the abolition of the ceremonial laws distinguishing clean from unclean, particularly in the context of Gentile inclusion in the Church.

3. Paul's Teachings: The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the principle of Christian liberty concerning clean and unclean foods. In Romans 14:14 , he writes, "I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean." Paul emphasizes that believers should act according to their conscience and in love towards others.

Theological Significance

The distinction between clean and unclean serves as a metaphor for the separation between the holy and the profane, the sacred and the common. It underscores the necessity of purity in approaching a holy God. While the ceremonial laws have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principle of holiness remains. Believers are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, not through external rituals but through the transformation of the heart and mind.