Lexical Summary hagnismos: Purification, cleansing Original Word: ἁγνισμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance purification. From hagnizo; a cleansing (the act), i.e. (ceremonially) lustration -- purification. see GREEK hagnizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hagnizó Definition purification NASB Translation purification (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 49: ἁγνισμόςἁγνισμός, (οῦ, ὁ, purification, lustration, (Dionysius Halicarnassus 3, 22, i., p. 469, 13; Plutarch, de defect. orac. 15): Acts 21:26 (equivalent to נֵזֶר, Numbers 6:5), Nazarite; see ἁγνίζω, 1. Topical Lexicon Concept and Scope of the TermStrong’s Greek 49 portrays the formal, cultic “purification” prescribed by the Law of Moses and practiced in Second-Temple Judaism. It concerns outward rites meant to symbolize inner consecration—setting oneself apart from common use for the service of the Holy One. New Testament Occurrence Acts 21:26: “The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went into the temple to give notice of the completion of the days of purification, when the offering would be made for each of them.” This lone occurrence records Paul joining four Jewish believers who were under a Nazirite-style vow in Jerusalem. By sharing their purification expenses he publicly affirmed his continued respect for the Law (compare Acts 21:24) while maintaining the gospel of grace he preached among the Gentiles. Old Testament and Second-Temple Background 1. Numbers 6:1-21 – The Nazirite vow established a defined period of holiness, marked by abstention from wine, avoidance of corpse-impurity, and a concluding sacrificial ritual. Historical Setting in Acts 21 • Timing: Pentecost season (Acts 20:16) when Jerusalem swelled with pilgrims. Theological Significance 1. Continuity and Fulfillment Paul’s willingness to participate shows that the gospel does not abolish the moral intent of the Law but fulfills it in Christ (Matthew 5:17; Romans 3:31). External rites pointed to the deeper work of the Spirit promised in Ezekiel 36:25-27—“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean.” Hebrews 9:13-14 contrasts animal blood that brings ceremonial cleanness with the blood of Christ that “purifies our conscience from dead works to serve the living God,” demonstrating that purification’s ultimate goal is inward transformation. Christological Connections • Jesus embodies the purified temple (John 2:19-21) and the flawless offering (1 Peter 1:18-19). Ministry Implications 1. Cultural Sensitivity in Mission Paul’s action models voluntary self-limitation for the sake of weaker brethren (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). The episode reminds believers that grace never excuses impurity; rather, it motivates wholehearted consecration (Romans 12:1). Shared rites in Acts 21 temporarily bridged cultural divides, demonstrating that mutual love often requires tangible gestures of respect. Typological and Prophetic Dimensions • The temporary Nazirite state foreshadows the believer’s pilgrim status—set apart now, awaiting the Day when holiness will be perfected (Revelation 22:11). Practical Applications • Examine motives in any religious observance: is it a mere formality or an expression of devotion to Christ? Summary The solitary New Testament mention of this “purification” in Acts 21:26 stands as a living parable of the gospel’s transformative power: the shadow of ritual pointing to the substance of Christ, the apostle’s loving concession preserving church unity, and the abiding call that every believer be wholly consecrated to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations αγνισμόν αγνισμου αγνισμού ἁγνισμοῦ agnismou hagnismou hagnismoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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