Note 1 at Jn. 11:55: The Greek word used for purify is "hagnizo," meaning "to make clean; sanctify; purify." It is derived from the Greek word "hagnos," meaning "dedicated or adored by sacrifice."

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 (Num. 9:6; Jn. 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 (Num. 9:10-11).

The idea of purification preceded the giving of the law (Gen. 35:2; Ex. 19:14), but with the Mosaic code came the various laws providing for cleansing and purification (Lev. 6:28; 8:6; 14:4-5,8,51; chapters 11-17; Num. 8:7; 9:9-14; 19:8-22; 31:21-24; 2 Chr. 30:17-18; Ezek. 36:25; Mk. 7:2-6; Jn. 2:6; 3:25; Heb. 9:10,13-14,22).

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

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

Great controversy broke out between Jesus and the Pharisees over the question of ceremonial uncleanness (Mt. 23:25-26; Mk. 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 (Mk. 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; 1 Jn. 1:7).