The Biblical Definition of Uncleanliness: In the Bible, uncleanliness refers to a state of impurity, both physically and spiritually. It can relate to ceremonial uncleanliness (as in the Old Testament laws), moral impurity (such as sinful behaviors), and spiritual defilement. The New Testament emphasizes that uncleanliness extends beyond physical impurity to include sinful thoughts and actions.
Key Scriptures on Uncleanliness
- Leviticus 11:44 – “For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” This verse emphasizes the call to holiness and avoiding defilement.
- Leviticus 15:31 – “Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.” Highlights the need for separation from uncleanness to maintain purity before God.
- Isaiah 64:6 – “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Shows that sin makes us unclean before God, and only His grace can cleanse us.
- Matthew 15:18-20 – “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Jesus teaches that true uncleanliness comes from within, not just external actions.
- Galatians 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Uncleanness is listed as a work of the flesh that leads away from God’s kingdom.
- Ephesians 5:3 – “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.” Encourages believers to live free from uncleanness in their walk with God.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7 – “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” Reinforces God’s desire for His people to live in holiness rather than impurity.
Prayer Points on Uncleanliness
- Prayer for Spiritual Cleansing
- Heavenly Father, cleanse me from all spiritual impurity. Wash me with the blood of Jesus and make me holy before You (Isaiah 64:6).
- Prayer for a Pure Heart
- Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Let my thoughts, words, and actions be pleasing in Your sight (Matthew 15:18-20).
- Prayer for Strength to Overcome Fleshly Desires
- Father, help me to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Let me be free from all works of the flesh, including uncleanness (Galatians 5:19-21).
- Prayer for Holiness
- Lord, You have called me to holiness, not uncleanness. Help me to live a life that reflects Your holiness in every area (1 Thessalonians 4:7).
- Prayer for Deliverance from Sinful Habits
- Father, deliver me from anything that defiles my body, soul, and spirit. Let me walk in purity and righteousness all the days of my life (Ephesians 5:3).
- Prayer for Wisdom to Avoid Defilement
- Lord, give me wisdom and discernment to avoid anything that can make me spiritually unclean. Help me to separate myself from ungodly influences (Leviticus 15:31).
- Prayer for the Church’s Purity
- Father, purify Your church and remove every form of uncleanness. Let Your people be set apart for Your glory (Leviticus 11:44).