Defile; Defilement
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Defilement in the Old Testament encompassed physical, sexual, ethical, ceremonial, and religious dimensions, with significant overlap among the latter four categories. These states rendered individuals or objects ceremonially unclean, thereby disqualifying them from participation in religious service or worship.
What is the meaning of Defile; Defilement in the Bible?
Defilement in the Old Testament encompassed physical, sexual, ethical, ceremonial, and religious dimensions, with significant overlap among the latter four categories. These states rendered individuals or objects ceremonially unclean, thereby disqualifying them from participation in religious service or worship.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the mechanisms of defilement clarifies the structural logic of ancient Israelite purity laws and explains the social and religious boundaries maintained within the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Defile; Defilement in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Defile; Defilement clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.