καθαρότης (katharotēs)
katharotēs
cleanness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katharotēs refers to a state of cleanness or purity, appearing only once in the New Testament at Hebrews 9:13. Its meaning is grounded in ritual standards rather than moral character alone, reflecting the physical cleanliness required for temple worship.
It derives from the adjective katharos, which describes something free from contamination. In this specific verse, the word is used with a genitive to describe the purification achieved by animal blood. This highlights its function as a ceremonial cleansing that prepares a person for sacred duties, distinct from inner spiritual renewal.
The term underscores the temporary nature of Old Testament rituals. By contrasting animal sacrifices with Christ’s sacrifice, the text uses this word to show that while ritual purity was real, it could not permanently cleanse the conscience. The focus remains on the external requirement of holiness before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word translated as "cleanness" in Hebrews 9:13 describes a specific kind of purity required for approaching God in the Old Testament. It refers to the external state of being free from ritual defilement, allowing a person to participate in temple worship without breaking sacred laws. This concept highlights how seriously ancient Israel treated the boundary between the holy and the common.
While this physical cleansing was necessary, the author of Hebrews points out its limitations. Animal blood could wash the body, but it could not change the heart or quiet a troubled conscience. This distinction prepares us to understand the greater work of Christ, whose sacrifice addresses the inner person rather than just the outer appearance.
For your faith today, this reminds us that God cares about more than just our outward behavior. He desires a heart that is truly clean and whole. The temporary rituals of the past show that only Jesus can provide the lasting purity we need to stand confidently before Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- purification,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθαρότητα,1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 9:13
For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh,
This verse uses the word to contrast external ritual washing with the internal cleansing provided by Christ's sacrifice.