Bible Questions and Answers

Browse all the questions that have been asked at thisisyourbible.com and see their answers, read the most recent questions and answers, or have a look at some prepared questions and answers on key Bible themes.

Thanks for your question.

Using the ESV [English Standard Version] the word wash/washed/washing occurs 124 times in the Bible.  In the Old Testament it often refers to ritual washing which symbolically removes uncleanness which represents sin. For example:
  • Exodus 19:10,14 the washing of garments is connected to consecration.  
  • Exodus 30 talks about the laver in the Tabernacle and it's meaning of spiritual cleansing. See also Psalm 26:6 and especially 51:7; Isaiah 1:16 and Jeremiah 4:14.  
  • Jesus takes up this theme of consecration to God's service by ritual washing in John 13:5-14 - we are washed clean by Jesus as the priests were in the service of the Tabernacle and Temple. 
  • We have a responsibility to help one another to be cleansed of the filth of the flesh. See Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 10:22; 2 Peter 2:22; Revelation 7:14; 22:14.  Peter refers to the washing of Baptism in 1 Peter 3:21.
God bless!
Mike,