Note 1 at Joh 11:55: The Greek word used for "purify" in this verse is "HAGNIZO," and it means "to make clean, i.e. (figuratively) sanctify (ceremonially or morally)" (Strong's Concordance). It is derived from the Greek word "HAGNOS," meaning "innocent, modest, perfect" (Strong's Concordance).

The ceremonial cleansing of purification was especially important to the Jews at Passover, for without it they would not be able to keep the feast (Nu 9:6 and Joh 18:28). Any Israelite who was unclean was forbidden to keep the feast at that time and was commanded to celebrate it a month later (Nu 9:10-11).

The idea of purification preceded the giving of the Law (Ge 35:2 and Ex 19:14), but with the Mosaic code came the various laws providing for cleansing and purification (Le 6:28, 8:6, 14:4-5, 8, 51, Le 11-17; Nu 8:7, 9:9-14, 19:8-22, 31:21-24; 2Ch 30:17-18; Eze 36:25; Mr 7:2-6; Joh 2:6, 3:25; Heb 9:10, 13-14, and 22).

The word "unclean" referred primarily to things to be avoided by the Jews, such as the carcasses of unclean beasts, cattle, or creeping things (Le 5:2 and 11:29-31); a dead body (Le 21:1-4; Nu 9:6-8, 19:13, and 31:19-20); the contact with leprosy, a running issue, or infectious disease (Le 13, 15:2-3, and 22:4-6); touching the bed, chair, saddle, or earthen vessel of an unclean person (Le 15:3-12); the emission of semen from one's own person or discharges causing uncleanness (Le 15 and De 23:10); coming in contact with a menstruating woman or a woman in childbirth (Le 12:4 and 15:19); the eating of unclean animals (Le 11); the touching of unclean animals (Le 22:6); the carrying of a dead, unclean animal (Le 11:25-28); living in or entering a leprous house (Le 14:46-47); eating the meat of animals that have died of themselves (Le 17:15); etc. (Le 17-26).

The objects used in the purification process varied from water (Le 6:28, 8:6, 14:8, 51; Nu 8:7, 19:9, 13, 17; and Eze 36:25); sacrificial blood (Le 8:23, 14:6, 17:11; and Heb 9:22); ashes (Nu 19:1-10, 17; and Heb 9:13); cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop (Nu 19:6 and Heb 9:19); and fire (Ex 12:10; Le 20:14, 21:9; Nu 31:21-23; De 9:21, and 13:12-16).

Great controversy broke out between Jesus and the Pharisees over the question of ceremonial uncleanness (Mt 23:25-26 and Mr 7:2-8). Jesus accused them of cleaning the outside of the cup and platter but neglecting the inside, namely the condition of their own hearts (Mt 23:23-28). Christ's teaching emphasized the condition of the heart rather than ceremonial purity (Mr 7:18-23).

Colossians tells us that the reality of these Old Testament laws were found in Christ (Col 2:17) and that the true process of cleansing is accomplished only in the person and work of Christ (Heb 9:9-14, 10:10-14, 22-23; and 1Jo 1:7).