Cleanliness is next to godliness, an old adage that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, there are numerous references and verses on cleanliness, offering insight into God’s views on keeping oneself clean both inside-out.
Today, let us look at some of these passages about the importance of physical hygiene and spiritual purity in following a godly life style.
Bible Verses on Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a vital aspect of life that is emphasized in the Bible. It involves not only physical hygiene but also moral purity. Here are some Bible verses that highlight the importance of cleanliness in our lives.
Cleanliness of Body
The Bible teaches us about the importance of cleanliness in relation to maintaining physical hygiene and presenting ourselves in a respectable manner. The people of Israel and surrounding cultures during biblical times practiced good hygiene such as regular bathing, grooming, and wearing clean garments.
Although it does not provide explicit instructions on personal hygiene, the Bible emphasizes the importance of being clean before God. By keeping our bodies clean, which are considered temples of the Holy Spirit, we show our gratitude for the gift of life and for our bodies that have been given to us.
Moreover, physical cleanliness is a reflection of our inner cleanliness. By maintaining good hygiene habits, we demonstrate traits such as self-discipline, orderliness, and commitment to our faith. This act of cleanliness can serve as a testimony to others about our dedication to living according to God’s principles.
Leviticus 15:13
“When the man with a discharge is cleansed of his discharge, he is to count off seven days for his ceremonial cleansing; he must wash his clothes and bathe himself with fresh water, and he will be clean.”
Psalm 51:7
“Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
1 Timothy 5:23
“Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About Distractions (With Commentary)
Cleanliness of Spirit
Cleansing our inner selves and maintaining a pure heart is essential for spiritual cleanliness according to the Bible. It involves living a life free from sin, unrighteousness, and ungodly thoughts, digging deep into our very being rather than just external appearances.
The Bible teaches that spiritual cleanliness is closely tied to the concepts of repentance and forgiveness. Acknowledging and asking for forgiveness while turning away from past sins can help us cleanse our spirits, coming closer to God. On top of this, cleansing is achieved through prayer, meditation, and studying God’s Word as they offer insight into God’s character and His expectations for us.
By striving for spiritual cleanliness, we align ourselves with God’s will and position ourselves to receive His blessings along with guidance. Pursuit of spiritual purity also allows us to have a deeper positive impact on the world as our actions and words become more aligned with God’s love and truth.
Psalm 24:3-4
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”
Proverbs 20:9
“Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’?”
Isaiah 1:16-17
“Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Cleanliness of Environment
Keeping our living spaces clean and orderly is a crucial aspect that the Bible emphasizes. It involves not only our homes but also places of worship and the environment around us. In ancient times, the Israelites were instructed to maintain cleanliness in their living spaces to prevent diseases and show reverence for God’s presence.
In a broader sense, maintaining a clean environment also signifies our role as guardians of God’s creation. As stewards, we have been entrusted with caring for the earth and preserving its natural resources and ecosystems. This means adopting sustainable practices, reducing pollution, and being mindful of our actions’ impact on the planet.
When we keep our surroundings clean, we demonstrate respect and admiration for God’s creation. Moreover, it leads to a conducive environment for spiritual growth and closeness with God. A clean atmosphere reflects God’s creation’s divine order and facilitates an unobstructed focus on our journey towards spirituality.
Deuteronomy 23:12-13
“Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement.”
Proverbs 14:4
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.”
Matthew 15:17-18
“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About Paths (With Commentary)
Cleanliness and Health
The Bible makes it clear that cleanliness and health go hand in hand. Throughout the Old Testament, there are rules and guidelines meant to keep individuals and communities hygienic, which helped prevent the spread of disease among the Israelites.
Today, we know that keeping ourselves and our surroundings clean is also essential for good health. By practicing good personal hygiene and keeping our living spaces clean and tidy, we can minimize the transmission of harmful germs that cause illnesses.
Cleanliness contributes to our mental as well as physical well-being. A clean space promotes calmness, clarity of thought, focus, decreases stress levels improving our mental state overall.
In addition to health benefits, maintaining wellness is an act of gratitude to God who has given us this gift of life. We demonstrate honor to Him by prioritizing our well-being and vigorously taking measures to reduce sickness.
Furthermore, when we take care of ourselves properly, we’re better equipped to serve others and share Christ’s love around us. By staying fit physically and mentally, we have more energy for ministries or just good works in general. Ultimately making a positive impact on those around us. That’s why maintaining hygiene is fundamental for a healthy life as a Christian or non-Christian alike.
Leviticus 15:31
“‘You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them.'”
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
3 John 1:2
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Cleanliness and Holiness
The Bible teaches us that being clean and holy are closely related. This means that we should strive to live a pure and undefiled life before God. When we talk about holiness, we mean that we need to live according to God’s commandments and principles, being set apart for His purposes.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites had many specific cleanliness rituals, which helped them to maintain their holiness and connection with God. For modern believers, it is still important to maintain purity, not only in our body but also in our minds and souls. By pursuing holiness, we aim to stop sins or bad habits from becoming part of our life and separating us from God’s presence.
To purify ourselves from sin and its influences, there are certain things Christians can do. Praying or studying Scriptures allows us to grow closer to God and learn more about His expectations for us as believers. Participating in Christian fellowship helps us better understand the character of God and how He wants us to live our lives.
Practicing these habits throughout our lives helps us draw closer to God’s presence as living a clean life reflects a commitment to honoring Him by living out our faith in meaningful ways.
Exodus 19:6
“You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
Leviticus 19:2
“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.'”
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'”
Ephesians 5:25-27
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Final Thoughts
The Bible emphasizes the importance of cleanliness in various aspects of our lives including our bodies, spirits, and environments. This idea is linked to health and holiness. By striving for cleanliness we show our dedication to living according to God’s principles and getting closer to Him. This pursuit also helps us care better for God’s creation and become better equipped to serve others following Jesus’ example.
It is our responsibility as believers to cultivate a lifestyle of cleanliness that shows our faith and strengthens our connection with God. By doing so, we can make a positive impact in the world around us.