What Does The Bible Say About Hygiene? (25 Bible Verses)

Hygiene might not seem like a spiritual topic, but the Bible includes principles for cleanliness and health, especially in the Old Testament. Today, we’ll see how these teachings reflect God’s care for our well-being and how we can apply them to our lives today.

Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness

What Does The Bible Say About Hygiene

Leviticus 11:32

“Anything on which any of them falls when they are dead shall be unclean, whether it is any article of wood or clothing or skin or sack, any article in which work is done. It must be put in water, and it shall be unclean until evening; then it shall be clean.

This verse emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in dealing with anything that is contaminated or has come into contact with something unclean. It serves as a reminder that proper cleaning and washing are essential for maintaining a healthy environment.

Furthermore, it highlights the understanding that cleanliness is not just a physical matter, but also has spiritual implications, as the unclean items are considered impure until they are washed and made clean.

Leviticus 15:13

“When the man with the discharge becomes clean from his discharge, he shall count seven days for his cleansing; he shall then wash his clothes and bathe his body in running water and will become clean.

This verse addresses the importance of personal hygiene, specifically in the context of a man with a discharge. It emphasizes the need for cleansing and purification through washing clothes and bathing in running water to restore cleanliness and health.

By highlighting the significance of cleanliness in such situations, this verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal hygiene practices for overall well-being.

Deuteronomy 23:13

“You shall have a designated area outside the camp and shall go out to it. And you shall have a trowel with your tools, and when you sit down outside, you shall dig a hole with it and turn back and cover up your excrement.

This verse demonstrates the importance of proper sanitation practices in order to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of disease. It instructs the Israelites to dig a hole and cover up their waste when they are outside the camp.

By following these practices, they were able to prevent contamination and the spread of harmful bacteria, which is a crucial aspect of maintaining good hygiene even in the midst of living in a camp or community setting.

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

While not directly related to physical hygiene, this verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual and emotional hygiene. It encourages individuals to protect and maintain the well-being of their hearts, as it influences their thoughts, actions, and overall character.

Just as physical hygiene is necessary for maintaining physical health, taking care of our hearts through prayer, meditation, and guarding against negative influences is essential for our spiritual and emotional well-being.

Matthew 15:17-20

“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. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”

This passage highlights the connection between the condition of the heart and our words and actions. It emphasizes the need to focus on the cleanliness of our hearts, as the things we say and do are a reflection of what is in our hearts.

Similar to how physical hygiene keeps our bodies healthy, keeping our hearts pure through prayer, repentance, and cultivating positive thoughts is essential for maintaining spiritual and moral well-being.

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.”

This verse reminds believers of the importance of taking care of their bodies, which are considered temples of the Holy Spirit. It encourages Christians to honor God by treating their bodies with respect and maintaining good physical hygiene.

By recognizing the spiritual significance of their bodies and valuing them as a gift from God, believers are called to prioritize their overall well-being, which includes practicing good hygiene.

1 Corinthians 10:31

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

This verse instructs believers to do everything, including everyday activities like eating and drinking, with the intention of glorifying God. It emphasizes the need for mindfulness and intentionality in our actions, including maintaining personal hygiene.

By approaching even mundane tasks like eating and drinking as opportunities to honor God, believers are reminded of the importance of being mindful of their hygiene and caring for their bodies, which are gifts from God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”

This passage emphasizes the importance of purity and self-control, particularly in the context of sexual immorality. It encourages believers to exercise self-discipline and honor God with their bodies.

Practicing good personal hygiene, including maintaining purity and abstaining from immoral behavior, is one way believers can demonstrate their commitment to living holy and honorable lives in accordance with God’s will.

1 Timothy 4:8

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

This verse highlights the distinction between physical and spiritual well-being. While physical exercise and hygiene have their benefits, the pursuit of godliness is of greater importance as it holds promises for both the present life and the afterlife.

While personal hygiene is necessary for maintaining physical health, believers are reminded that spiritual hygiene, through prayer, worship, and obedience to God’s Word, is paramount for their overall well-being and eternal life.

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.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of both physical and spiritual cleansing. It encourages believers to draw close to God and to actively participate in the process of purification.

Just as washing hands removes physical impurities, purifying the heart involves repentance, seeking forgiveness, and pursuing a deeper relationship with God. Both physical and spiritual hygiene play a vital role in maintaining a close relationship with Him.

1 Corinthians 14:40

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”

This verse speaks to the importance of orderliness and proper conduct in all aspects of life, including hygiene. It encourages individuals to approach their hygiene practices with intentionality and respect for themselves and others.

By maintaining order and cleanliness, individuals can create a conducive environment for physical well-being and demonstrate respect for the bodies and spaces entrusted to them.

Colossians 3:23

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

This verse instructs believers to approach all their tasks with dedication and wholeheartedness, as if they were working for the Lord. This includes personal hygiene practices which should be carried out diligently and with the utmost care.

By maintaining excellent hygiene as an act of worship, believers demonstrate their commitment to serving and honoring God in all areas of their lives.

Mark 7:20-23

“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

This passage emphasizes the significance of internal purity and the dangers of impure thoughts and attitudes. It highlights the importance of maintaining not only external hygiene but also internal cleanliness and moral uprightness.

By recognizing the impact of our thoughts and internal condition on our overall well-being, this verse encourages individuals to prioritize both physical and spiritual hygiene in order to live a life that is pleasing to God.

James 1:27

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for others in need and maintaining personal holiness. It encourages believers to exemplify their faith by demonstrating compassion and preventing contamination from worldly influences.

Practicing good hygiene plays a role in preventing the spread of diseases and keeping oneself protected from harmful elements, which aligns with the call to keep oneself pure and untainted by the world.

1 Peter 3:3-4

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

This verse reminds believers that true beauty comes from within, radiating from a gentle and humble spirit. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on inner qualities rather than solely on external appearances.

While personal hygiene and grooming are important to maintain a clean and presentable outward appearance, they should not be prioritized above cultivating a kind and pure heart, which holds greater value in the eyes of God.

Matthew 23:26

“Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”

This verse criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and highlights the importance of prioritizing inward purity over outward appearances. It draws attention to the need for a genuine and sincere heart rather than merely external cleanliness.

While personal hygiene practices are valuable, this verse serves as a reminder that physical cleanliness should not be pursued at the expense of neglecting one’s spiritual and moral well-being.

1 Peter 5:6-7

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

This verse encourages believers to humble themselves before God and place their trust in His care. It reminds them that God is concerned about their worries and anxieties and invites them to cast their burdens upon Him.

By seeking God’s guidance, practicing good hygiene, and cultivating a spirit of humility, individuals can experience peace of mind and a sense of security in knowing that they are cared for by a loving and compassionate Heavenly Father.

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of repentance and confession of sins. It assures believers that if they confess their wrongdoings, God is faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness.

Similarly, maintaining good personal hygiene involves recognizing areas where cleanliness may be lacking and taking the necessary steps to purify oneself. Both spiritually and physically, repentance and cleansing lead to restoration and a renewed sense of wholeness.

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.”

This psalm presents the question of who is worthy to approach the Lord. It teaches that those with clean hands and pure hearts, who have renounced idolatry and falsehood, are the ones who can stand in His holy presence.

While clean hands symbolize physical hygiene, a pure heart encompasses spiritual cleanliness. By practicing good personal hygiene and maintaining spiritual purity, believers can approach God with reverence and draw near to Him.

1 Timothy 5:8

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

This verse underscores the importance of providing for one’s family and caring for their well-being. It emphasizes the responsibility to prioritize the physical needs, including hygiene and health, of those under one’s care.

By recognizing the connection between personal hygiene and the overall welfare of their loved ones, believers are encouraged to fulfill their responsibilities and demonstrate their faith through practical acts of care.

Proverbs 16:32

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

This verse speaks to the virtues of patience and self-control. It highlights the importance of exercising discipline in various aspects of life, including personal hygiene.

By practicing patience and self-control, individuals can develop consistent hygiene habits and maintain proper cleanliness, ultimately fostering physical well-being and discipline in other areas of life.

Proverbs 22:11

“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure heart and speaking with grace. It teaches that those who possess these qualities will find favor, even with influential figures.

By practicing good personal hygiene and cultivating a pure heart, individuals exemplify the virtues of cleanliness and grace, fostering healthy relationships and attracting positive connections.

Proverbs 31:27

“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

This verse praises the diligent and responsible woman who takes care of her household. It underscores the importance of being proactive in managing the home, including maintaining cleanliness and hygiene.

By promoting a clean, organized, and well-maintained environment, individuals contribute to the overall well-being of their household, fostering a healthy and nurturing space for their loved ones.