καθαρισμός
katharismos
cleansing
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word "καθαρισμός" (katharismos) is defined as "cleansing." It is a noun that falls within the semantic domain of Speech & Communication, suggesting its primary function is to convey a concept related to purification or removal of impurities. In the Bible, "καθαρισμός" is used 7 times, indicating its significance in various contexts. Its range of usage likely spans different aspects of cleansing, such as spiritual, ritual, or even physical purification. Without further context, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact connotations of this word, but its definition as "cleansing" implies a process of removal or elimination of something unwanted or impure. Given its limited occurrences in the Bible, "καθαρισμός" may be a specialized term used in specific situations or communities. Its significance lies in its ability to convey a clear idea of purification, which could be relevant in various aspects of ancient Jewish or Christian life, such as ritual practices, spiritual disciplines, or even health and hygiene.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences across the text
and said to him, “See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”
Luke 2:22When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
Luke 5:14He commanded him to tell no one, “But go your way, and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”
John 2:6Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.
John 3:25Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification.
Hebrews 1:3His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,
2 Peter 1:9For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.