What Does the Bible Say Defiles a Person – The Bible offers a clear answer to the question of what defiles a person: it is an internal matter of the heart. In the book of Mark, Jesus states that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of a person’s heart. This includes things such as sexual immorality, murder, envy, slander, and other wickedness.
Biblically, it is more important to guard one’s heart and mind, rather than their physical body, as it is the source of all sin. Additionally, the Bible speaks of spiritual defilement, which is a state of not being in right relationship with God. This can be caused by a lack of obedience to God’s commands or by living in rebellion against Him. Ultimately, the Bible paints a clear picture that both our internal and external actions can lead to defilement.
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What Does the Bible Say Defiles a Person
The Bible is full of wisdom that teaches us how to live a life that is pleasing to God. It holds answers to many questions about how we should live and act in our daily lives. One of these questions is what does the Bible say about defilement? Defilement is defined as the act of making something unclean or impure. In the Bible, defilement is seen as something that is forbidden and brings about consequences, and it is something that God does not take lightly.
- Idolatry: Idolatry is a major sin in the Bible and is strictly forbidden. It is defined as any form of worship or reverence given to something other than God. Idolatry is a form of spiritual defilement, as it can lead people away from the truth and goodness of God. (Leviticus 19:4; Exodus 20:3-5)
- Sexual Immorality: The Bible teaches that any sexual activity outside of marriage is immoral and defiling. This includes all forms of adultery, homosexuality, premarital sex, and any other form of sexual immorality. (Leviticus 18:22-24; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
- Greed and Covetousness: Greed and covetousness are sins in the Bible and can defile a person spiritually. Greed is an excessive desire for wealth or material possessions, while covetousness is an excessive desire for what belongs to someone else. (Ephesians 5:3-5; Romans 1:29-31)
- Lying and Deceit: Lying and deceit are considered sins in the Bible and can defile a person spiritually. Deceit is defined as deliberately deceiving or misleading someone in order to gain an advantage. (Proverbs 12:22; 1 John 2:21)
- Pride: Pride is an excessive sense of self-importance and is considered a sin in the Bible. It is a form of spiritual defilement, as it can lead to a person being arrogant and selfish, and can cause them to become disconnected from God. (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6)
- Disobeying God’s Commands: The Bible teaches that obeying God’s commands is essential in order to live a holy life. Disobeying God’s commands is considered a sin, and can defile a person spiritually. (Deuteronomy 28:15; Romans 6:23)
The Bible’s Definition of Defilement
The Bible speaks of defilement in many places, but the primary source of insight into the meaning of defilement comes from Leviticus 11:43-45. This passage states, “You shall not make yourselves detestable by any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. You shall not defile yourselves by them, and you shall not make yourselves unclean by them, for I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, and you shall not commit any of these abominations, either any of your own nation or any stranger who dwells among you (for all these abominations the men of the land have done, who were before you, and thus the land is defiled).” This passage shows that defilement is an act of disobedience against God, and it is something that is forbidden and brings about consequences.
Jesus’ Teachings on Defilement
Jesus also spoke about defilement in the New Testament. In the book of Matthew, Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.” (Matthew 15:19-20). This passage shows that Jesus taught that it is not the actions of a person that defile them, but rather the evil that comes from their hearts.
Hebrew Words Related to Defilement
In the Bible, the Hebrew words that are used to describe defilement are tame and tamei. Both of these words refer to uncleanness, impurity, and defilement. The word tame is used to denote something that is unclean, while the word tamei is used to denote something that is ceremonially unclean.
- חָלַל (chalal): This verb means to profane, desecrate, or defile. It is used to describe actions such as making a sacred object common, or doing something that is considered to be a violation of the holiness of a particular object.
- טָמֵא (tamei): This verb is used to refer to a person or thing that is ritually unclean. It can also mean to defile or pollute something.
- טִמָּאָה (timmah): This noun is used to refer to defilement or impurity. It can also be used to describe a person who is ceremonially unclean.
- מִחְלָל (michlal): This verb means to desecrate or defile. It is commonly used to describe the violation of a holy place or object.
- מִחְלַלְתָּ (michlalta): This noun refers to the act of desecrating or defiling something.
- טִמְּאָה (timmeah): This noun is used to refer to defilement or impurity. It is often used to describe a person or thing that has been defiled or polluted.
- טִמְּאַת (timm’at): This noun is used to refer to a state of uncleanness or defilement. It is commonly used to describe a person or thing that has been polluted.
Greek Words Related to Defilement
- Bdelygma (βδέλυγμα): This is a Greek word used to describe an act of defilement or impurity. It is commonly used in the context of ritual impurity, particularly in the Old Testament of the bible.
- Koinomartyrion (κοινομάρτυριον): This is another Greek word for defilement or degradation. This term is used to describe an act of dishonor or humiliation.
- Asebeia (ἀσέβεια): This is a Greek word that can refer to any type of impiety or wickedness. It is often used to describe an act of defilement or impurity.
- Akanthis (ἀκάνθισ): This is a Greek word for filth or dirt. It is used to describe any impure substance or object.
- Ektroma (ἔκτρωμα): This is a Greek word for defilement or contamination. It is typically used to describe the act of polluting or desecrating something.
- Koinonos (κοινόνος): This is a Greek word for defilement or corruption. It is often used to describe an act of moral or physical contamination.
- Psephos (ψῆφος): This is a Greek word for a tainted or unclean object. It is typically used to describe something that has been defiled or contaminated.
Aramaic Words Related to Defilement
- חָנַף (ḥanap): This is a verb meaning “to defile” or “to desecrate” and is used to describe the act of making something impure or offensive.
- חִנְפָה (ḥinpah): This is a noun meaning “defilement” or “desecration” and is used to describe the state of something being made impure or offensive.
- חִנְפוּת (ḥinpût): This is a noun meaning “defilement” or “desecration” and is used to describe the result or consequence of something being made impure or offensive.
- בִּלְתִּי יִתְרוֹן (biltî yitrôn): This is a phrase meaning “not to be profited” and is used to describe a situation where the defilement or desecration of something has led to a negative outcome.
- פֻּגְעֵי חָנַף (pug’ê ḥanap): This is a phrase meaning “acts of desecration” and is used to describe acts which defile or desecrate something.
What Does the Bible Say Specifically Defiles a Person?
The Bible specifically states that defilement is an act of disobedience against God. Some of the specific acts of disobedience that the Bible states defiles a person include idolatry, murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting. All of these acts are considered to be sins in the eyes of God and will result in spiritual defilement.
What Are the Consequences of Defilement?
The consequences of defilement are severe and God does not take defilement lightly. In the Bible, it is stated that defilement leads to spiritual death and separation from God. It can also lead to physical death and punishment if the defilement is not repented of and forgiven.
How Does Defilement Correlate to Sin?
Defilement and sin are closely related, as sin is a form of defilement. In the Bible, sin is defined as an act of disobedience against God and His laws. Defilement is an act of disobedience against God that results in spiritual death and separation from God.
What Are the Ways to Avoid Defilement?
The best way to avoid defilement is to follow the teachings of Jesus and obey God’s commands. The Bible states that the only way to avoid defilement is through faith in Jesus and living a life of obedience to God. It also states that it is important to be aware of our own hearts and to guard against sin and defilement by avoiding temptation and living a holy life.
What Does the Old Testament Say About Defilement?
The Old Testament speaks about defilement in several places. In Leviticus 11:43-45, God outlines what types of activities and things make a person unclean. He also speaks of the consequences of defilement in Leviticus 18:24-30, which states that anyone who defiles themselves will be cut off from their people.
What Does the New Testament Say About Defilement?
The New Testament speaks about defilement in several places. In Matthew 15:19-20, Jesus teaches that it is not the actions of a person that defile them, but rather the evil that comes from their hearts. In Titus 1:15, Paul writes that those who defile themselves will be rejected by God.
What Are the Books of the Bible That Discuss Defilement?
The books of the Bible that discuss defilement are Leviticus, Matthew, Titus, and Romans. In these books, God outlines what types of activities and things make a person unclean and what the consequences of defilement are.
How Does God Respond to Defilement?
God responds to defilement with punishment and judgment. In the Bible, God makes it clear that He will not tolerate defilement and will punish those who commit it. He also offers forgiveness to those who repent and turn away from their sinful ways.
What Are Examples of Defiling the Temple of God?
Examples of defiling the temple of God include idol worship, adultery, stealing, and lying. All of these acts are considered to be sins in the eyes of God and will result in spiritual defilement.
How Can We Use the Bible to Help Us Overcome Defilement?
We can use the Bible to help us overcome defilement by studying God’s Word, praying for guidance and strength, and submitting our lives to God. We can also use the Bible to learn about the consequences of defilement and the steps we can take to avoid it.
Final Thoughts – What Does the Bible Say Defiles a Person
The Bible speaks of defilement in many places and it is an act of disobedience against God that brings about consequences. Defilement is not just an act of disobedience but it is also a state of spiritual death and separation from God. The Bible outlines what types of activities and things make a person unclean, as well as the consequences of defilement. We can use the Bible to help us overcome defilement by studying God’s Word, praying for guidance and strength, and submitting our lives to God.
