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unclean
Definition:
In the Bible, the term "​unclean"​ is used figuratively to refer to things that God declared to be unfit for his people to touch, eat, or sacrifice.
- God gave the Israelites instructions about which animals were "​clean"​ and which ones were "​unclean."​ The unclean animals were not permitted to be used for eating or for sacrifice.
- People with certain skin diseases were said to be "unclean" until they were healed.
- If the Israelites touched something "​unclean,"​ they themselves would be considered unclean for a certain period of time.
- Obeying God's commands about not touching or eating unclean things kept the Israelites set apart for God's service.
- This physical and ritual uncleanness was also symbolic of moral uncleanness.
- In another figurative sense, an "​unclean spirit"​ refers to an evil spirit.
Translation Suggestions:
- The term "unclean" could also be translated as "not clean" or "unfit in God's eyes" or "physically unclean" or "defiled."
- When referring to a demon as an unclean spirit, "unclean" could be translated as "evil" or "defiled."
- The translation of this term should allow for spiritual uncleanness. It should be able to refer to anything that God declared as unfit for touching, eating, or sacrifice.
(See also: clean, cleanse · defile · demon, evil spirit, unclean spirit · holy, holiness · sacrifice, offering · unholy)