καθαρίζω

The Greek verb katharízō means "to cleanse," "to purify," or "to make clean." Its semantic range encompasses literal washing, ceremonial purification, and ethical purification. In the physical sense, it can refer to the washing of objects or the body, as seen in the healing of a leper. The Mosaic Law prescribed numerous rituals for ceremonial purification, making things or people fit for worship or interaction within the community. The New Testament uses katharízō frequently in a spiritual and moral sense, signifying cleansing from sin and unrighteousness, often through the atoning work of Christ.

This spiritual cleansing is a central theme, highlighting both God's action in forgiving sins and the believer's responsibility to pursue holiness. The blood of Jesus Christ is consistently presented as the means by which believers are cleansed from sin. This purification is not merely an external act but involves an internal transformation, making one pure in conscience and spirit. The concept extends to the church, which Christ cleanses and sanctifies.

Katharízō also appears in contexts relating to dietary laws, where the distinction between clean and unclean foods is challenged, indicating a shift in understanding from external regulations to internal purity. The ultimate purification in the New Testament is a work of God's grace, enabling believers to serve Him with a clear conscience and to live lives that reflect His holiness. It is both a past event (justification) and an ongoing process (sanctification).