CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Washings</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/w/washings.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/mark/7-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/w/washings.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Washings</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/w/washing-basin.htm" title="Washing-basin">◄</a> Washings <a href="/topical/w/washing-vessel.htm" title="Washing-vessel">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the biblical context, "washings" refer to the ceremonial and ritual practices of cleansing that are found throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the Old Testament. These practices were integral to the religious life of the Israelites and were often symbolic of spiritual purification and holiness.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>The concept of washings is deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law, where various forms of washing were prescribed for both priests and laypeople. These washings were not merely for physical cleanliness but were symbolic acts representing spiritual purity and readiness to approach God.<br><br>1. <b>Priestly Washings</b>: The priests, who served in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, were required to perform specific washings before carrying out their duties. <a href="/exodus/30-18.htm">Exodus 30:18-21</a> describes the bronze basin placed between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, where Aaron and his sons were to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tent or approaching the altar, "so that they will not die." This act underscored the holiness required of those who ministered before the Lord.<br><br>2. <b>Ritual Purity</b>: <a href="/bsb/leviticus/15.htm">Leviticus 15</a> outlines various situations that required washings for ritual purity, such as bodily discharges and contact with unclean things. These washings were necessary to restore an individual to a state of ceremonial cleanliness, allowing them to participate in communal worship and activities.<br><br>3. <b>Purification of Objects</b>: <a href="/bsb/numbers/19.htm">Numbers 19</a> details the use of the water of purification, made with the ashes of a red heifer, for cleansing those who had come into contact with a corpse. This ritual underscores the importance of purity in the presence of death, which was considered a source of defilement.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>In the New Testament, the practice of washings continues to hold significance, though it is often reinterpreted in light of the coming of Christ and the new covenant.<br><br>1. <b>John the Baptist</b>: John the Baptist's ministry included a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (<a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Mark 1:4</a>). This baptism was a form of washing that symbolized the cleansing of sin and the preparation for the coming Messiah.<br><br>2. <b>Jesus and Ritual Washings</b>: Jesus often challenged the Pharisees and religious leaders on their emphasis on external washings while neglecting inner purity. In <a href="/mark/7.htm">Mark 7:1-8</a>, Jesus rebukes them for holding to human traditions, such as the washing of hands, cups, and vessels, while their hearts remained far from God.<br><br>3. <b>Spiritual Cleansing</b>: The New Testament emphasizes the spiritual aspect of cleansing through the blood of Christ. <a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Hebrews 10:22</a> encourages believers to "draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." This passage highlights the transition from external washings to the internal cleansing provided by Christ's sacrifice.<br><br>4. <b>Baptism</b>: Christian baptism, as instituted by Christ (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a>), is a significant washing that symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It represents the washing away of sins and the believer's new life in Christ (<a href="/acts/22-16.htm">Acts 22:16</a>).<br><br><b>Symbolism and Significance</b><br><br>Throughout the Bible, washings serve as a powerful symbol of purification, holiness, and the need for a clean heart before God. While the Old Testament focused on external rituals, the New Testament reveals the deeper spiritual cleansing available through faith in Jesus Christ. This shift underscores the fulfillment of the Law in Christ and the establishment of a new covenant based on grace and truth.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/909.htm"><span class="l">909. baptismos -- (the act of) a dipping or washing</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Cognate: 909 -- properly, submergings (always in the plural in the NT); (figuratively)<br> ceremonial <b>washings</b> (Mk 7:4; Heb 9:10) or the profound realities of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/909.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 7k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/white/the_desire_of_ages/chapter_42_tradition.htm"><span class="l">Tradition</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of those who tried to observe the rabbinical requirements was one long struggle<br> against ceremonial defilement, an endless round of <b>washings</b> and purifications. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 42 tradition.htm</font><p><a href="/library/schaff/history_of_the_christian_church_volume_i/section_51_the_synagogue.htm"><span class="l">The Synagogue.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> a synagogue, or at least a place of prayer in a private house or in the open air<br> (usually near a river or the sea-shore, on account of the ceremonial <b>washings</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 51 the synagogue.htm</font><p><a href="/library/ambrose/works_and_letters_of_st_ambrose/chapter_ii_a_passage_quoted.htm"><span class="l">A Passage Quoted by the Heretics against Repentance is Explained <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Because under the Law there were many baptisms or <b>washings</b>, he rightly rebukes those<br> who forsake what is perfect and seek again the first principles of the word <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii a passage quoted.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/constitutions_of_the_holy_apostles/sec_iv_of_the_law.htm"><span class="l">Of the Law.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> also we exhort you in the Lord to abstain from your old conversation, vain bonds,<br> separations, observances, distinction of meats, and daily <b>washings</b>: for "old <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv of the law.htm</font><p><a href="/library/rhees/the_life_of_jesus_of_nazareth/vi_john_the_baptist.htm"><span class="l">John the Baptist</span></a> <br><b>...</b> pretence. With the quibbles of the scribes concerning small and great commandments,<br> Sabbaths and hand-<b>washings</b>, John shows no affinity. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/vi john the baptist.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_st_john_and_hebrews/homily_xv_hebrews_ix_5-jan.htm"><span class="l">Hebrews ix. 5-Jan</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Thou hast eaten this, Thou hast not eaten that, which are matters of indifference.<br> ["Which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers <b>washings</b>." "Thou hast <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xv hebrews ix 5-jan.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_5_1859/perfection_in_faith.htm"><span class="l">Perfection in Faith</span></a> <br><b>...</b> They underwent certain ceremonies, and divers <b>washings</b>, and so they were made<br> ceremonially holy; and these priests were therefore sanctified persons, because <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/perfection in faith.htm</font><p><a href="/library/luther/epistle_sermons_vol_ii/sunday_after_easter.htm"><span class="l">Sunday after Easter</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Moses came with various laws relating to <b>washings</b> and purifications, but they were<br> only cleansings of the body or of the flesh and had daily to be repeated. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after easter.htm</font><p><a href="/library/byers/sanctification/chapter_v_our_inheritance.htm"><span class="l">Our Inheritance</span></a> <br><b>...</b> that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;<br> which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers <b>washings</b> and carnal <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter v our inheritance.htm</font><p><a href="/library/clark/the_theology_of_holiness/chapter_iv_entire_sanctification_in.htm"><span class="l">Entire Sanctification in Type.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the provisions of the Mosaic law, we shall be struck with the many forms of ceremonial<br> uncleanness described therein, and with the "divers <b>washings</b>," not only <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/w/washings.htm"><span class="l"><b>Washings</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Washings</b> (4 Occurrences). <b>...</b> Hebrews 6:2 or of teaching about ceremonial <b>washings</b>, the<br> laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and the last judgement. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/washings.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nonimmersionist.htm"><span class="l">Nonimmersionist</span></a><br><b>...</b> the body and its symbolical use entered into almost every cult; and into none more<br> completely than the Jewish, whose ceremonial <b>washings</b> were proverbial. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nonimmersionist.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/non-immersionist.htm"><span class="l">Non-immersionist</span></a><br><b>...</b> the body and its symbolical use entered into almost every cult; and into none more<br> completely than the Jewish, whose ceremonial <b>washings</b> were proverbial. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/non-immersionist.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/view.htm"><span class="l">View (86 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the body and its symbolical use entered into almost every cult; and into none more<br> completely than the Jewish, whose ceremonial <b>washings</b> were proverbial. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/view.htm - 81k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/vessels.htm"><span class="l">Vessels (210 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> t eat when they come from the marketplace, unless they bathe themselves, and there<br> are many other things, which they have received to hold to: <b>washings</b> of cups <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/vessels.htm - 40k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/ceremonial.htm"><span class="l">Ceremonial (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See NIV). Hebrews 6:2 or of teaching about ceremonial <b>washings</b>, the laying on of<br> hands, the resurrection of the dead, and the last judgement. (WEY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/ceremonial.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/ablution.htm"><span class="l">Ablution</span></a><br><b>...</b> (3.) There were <b>washings</b> prescribed for the purpose of cleansing from positive<br> defilement contracted by particular Acts. Of such <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/ablution.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/lutheran.htm"><span class="l">Lutheran</span></a><br><b>...</b> necessarily contrary to, that of Plummer, who infers from Mark 7:4 and Hebrews<br> 9:10 that baptismos usually means lustrations or ceremonial <b>washings</b>, and from <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/lutheran.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/doctrine.htm"><span class="l">Doctrine (52 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> necessarily contrary to, that of Plummer, who infers from Mark 7:4 and Hebrews<br> 9:10 that baptismos usually means lustrations or ceremonial <b>washings</b>, and from <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/doctrine.htm - 57k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/washing-vessel.htm"><span class="l">Washing-vessel (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Washing-vessel. <b>Washings</b>, Washing-vessel. Washing-vessels . Multi-Version<br> Concordance <b>...</b> (BBE). <b>Washings</b>, Washing-vessel. Washing-vessels . Reference Bible <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/washing-vessel.htm - 8k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/rituals-in-Christianity.html">Are there supposed to be any rituals in Christianity? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/hygiene-vanity.html">When does hygiene cross the line and become vanity? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Washings (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Mark 7:4</a></span><br />They don't eat when they come from the marketplace, unless they bathe themselves, and there are many other things, which they have received to hold to: <span class="boldtext">washings</span> of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches.)<br /><span class="source">(WEB ASV BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/7-8.htm">Mark 7:8</a></span><br />For, leaving the commandment of God, ye hold what is delivered by men to keep <span class="boldtext">washings</span> of vessels and cups, and many other such like things ye do.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/hebrews/6-2.htm">Hebrews 6:2</a></span><br />or of teaching about ceremonial <span class="boldtext">washings</span>, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and the last judgement.<br /><span class="source">(WEY DBY NAS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Hebrews 9:10</a></span><br />being only (with meats and drinks and various <span class="boldtext">washings</span>) fleshly ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/w/washings.htm">Washings</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/network.htm">Network (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rods.htm">Rods (76 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/offerings.htm">Offerings (480 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/burned.htm">Burned (587 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/looking-glasses.htm">Looking-glasses (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/washing-vessels.htm">Washing-vessels (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/washings.htm">Washings (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/polished.htm">Polished (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/doors.htm">Doors (149 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/using.htm">Using (88 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/washing.htm">Washing (56 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/oil.htm">Oil (281 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/w/washing-basin.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Washing-basin"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Washing-basin" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/w/washing-vessel.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Washing-vessel"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Washing-vessel" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>