The term "washeth" is an archaic form of the verb "wash," commonly found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of cleansing, both in a physical and ceremonial sense. In the context of the Bible, washing often carries significant spiritual symbolism, representing purification, repentance, and the removal of sin.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, washing is frequently associated with ritual purification. The Mosaic Law contains numerous instructions regarding washing to maintain ceremonial cleanliness. For instance, in Leviticus 15:11 , it is stated, "Anyone whom the man with the discharge touches without rinsing his hands with water must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening." This highlights the importance of physical cleanliness as a reflection of spiritual purity.

The priests, in particular, were required to wash before performing their duties in the Tabernacle or Temple. Exodus 30:19-21 instructs, "Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it. Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by burning an offering made by fire to the LORD, they must wash with water, so that they will not die." This ritual washing signified the need for holiness and purity in approaching God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of washing takes on a deeper spiritual meaning. Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of inner purity over mere external rituals. In John 13:10 , during the Last Supper, Jesus tells Peter, "He who has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." Here, Jesus uses the act of washing feet to symbolize humility and service, as well as the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing.

Baptism, a key New Testament ordinance, is also a form of washing. It symbolizes the washing away of sins and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 22:16 states, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name."

Spiritual Significance

The act of washing in the Bible is rich with spiritual significance. It serves as a metaphor for the cleansing power of God's grace and forgiveness. Psalm 51:2 expresses this plea for divine cleansing: "Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." This verse captures the essence of the believer's desire for spiritual renewal and purity before God.

In the eschatological vision of Revelation, the redeemed are described as having "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 7:14). This imagery underscores the ultimate purification and redemption available through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The concept of "washeth" in the Bible, while rooted in physical acts of washing, transcends to embody profound spiritual truths. It reflects the necessity of purity, both in the Old Testament rituals and the New Testament teachings of Jesus. Through washing, believers are reminded of the cleansing power of God's grace and the call to live a life of holiness and service.

Jesus Washeth his Disciples' Feet
... ILLUSTRATIONS: JESUS WASHETH HIS DISCIPLES' FEET. Now before the feast of
the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that ...
/.../the life of jesus christ for the young/jesus washeth his disciples feet.htm

A Song of Christian Consolation and Joy.
... wax 'fore fire away. My Jesus death subdueth, My sin remitteth quite, He
washeth aad reneweth, The crimson maketh white. I joy in ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/a song of christian consolation.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean, Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... If you take any other water, any other righteousness but his, and wash thyself
therewith, suppose it be snow water that washeth cleanest"thy most exact ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x wash you make.htm

Quietus of Burug Said: "We who Live by Faith Ought with Believing ...
... Ep. 67. [1713] In the English version this is, "He that washeth himself after touching
a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing?"--Ecclus. ...
/.../chapter 34 65 quietus.htm

Again, when He Hears, "He that is Washed by one Dead...
... 25, which is more correctly rendered in our version, "He that washeth himself after
touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 9 10 again.htm

Whether Baptism is the Mere Washing?
... On the contrary, It is written (Ecclus.34:30): "He that washeth himself [baptizatur]
after touching the dead, if he touch him again, what does his washing avail ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether baptism is the mere.htm

And Jesus Knew Within Himself that his Disciples were Murmuring ...
... these evils all of them from within proceed from the heart, and they are the things
[45] which defile the man: [1463] but if a man eat while he washeth not his ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xx and jesus knew.htm

Ephesians v. 22-24
... holy and without blemish.". "By the washing or laver" He washeth her
uncleanness. "By the word," saith he. What word? "In the Name ...
/.../homily xx ephesians v 22-24.htm

John xiii. 1
... For He knew who should betray Him." [1987]. "And if they are clean, why washeth
He [1988] their feet?" That we may learn to be modest. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxx john xiii 1.htm

Letter clxxiii. (AD 416. )
... 25, translated, accurately enough, in our English version: "He that washeth himself
after touching a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxxiii a d 416.htm

Washeth (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Washeth (4 Occurrences). Genesis 43:31 and he washeth
his face, and goeth out, and refraineth himself, and saith, 'Place bread.' (YLT) ...
/w/washeth.htm - 7k

Washes (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice
vine; he washeth his garments in wine, and his vesture in the blood of grapes ...
/w/washes.htm - 6k

Washhand (1 Occurrence)

/w/washhand.htm - 6k

Washest (2 Occurrences)

/w/washest.htm - 6k

Refraineth (2 Occurrences)
... Refraineth (2 Occurrences). Genesis 43:31 and he washeth his face, and goeth
out, and refraineth himself, and saith, 'Place bread.' (YLT). ...
/r/refraineth.htm - 6k

Rejoiceth (39 Occurrences)
... salvation. (YLT). Psalms 58:10 The righteous rejoiceth that he hath seen vengeance,
His steps he washeth in the blood of the wicked. (YLT). ...
/r/rejoiceth.htm - 17k

Bindeth (25 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:11 He bindeth his foal to the vine, And his ass's colt to the choice
vine; He washeth his dress in wine, And his garment in the blood of grapes. ...
/b/bindeth.htm - 13k

Choicest (32 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice
vine; he washeth his garments in wine, and his vesture in the blood of grapes ...
/c/choicest.htm - 15k

Perfume (202 Occurrences)
... YLT). Leviticus 9:14 and he washeth the inwards and the legs, and maketh perfume
for the burnt-offering on the altar. (YLT). Leviticus ...
/p/perfume.htm - 38k

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