The term "defilest" is an archaic form of the verb "defile," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, primarily in the King James Version. It refers to the act of making something unclean, impure, or unholy, often in a ceremonial or moral sense. In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of defilement is addressed in several passages, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness in the life of a believer.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, defilement is frequently associated with ceremonial uncleanness, which could result from contact with unclean animals, dead bodies, or certain diseases. Leviticus 11:44-45 underscores the call to holiness: "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any creature that moves along the ground." Here, defilement is linked to the violation of dietary laws, which were given to set the Israelites apart as God's holy people.

Defilement also extends to moral and spiritual corruption. In Ezekiel 20:7 , God commands the Israelites: "And I said to them, ‘Each of you must throw away the abominations before his eyes, and not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’" This passage highlights the danger of idolatry and its defiling effect on the covenant relationship between God and His people.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of defilement in a more spiritual and moral context. In Mark 7:15 , He teaches, "Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, but what comes out of a man, that is what defiles him." Jesus emphasizes that true defilement is a matter of the heart and is manifested through sinful thoughts and actions, rather than external factors.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the concept of defilement in relation to the conscience and the body. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 , he writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple." Here, defilement is associated with actions that harm the body, which is considered the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a moral and spiritual perspective, defilement is a serious concern for believers, as it affects one's relationship with God. James 1:27 provides guidance on maintaining purity: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse underscores the importance of both social responsibility and personal holiness.

The concept of defilement serves as a reminder of the call to live a life set apart for God, avoiding both external and internal sources of impurity. Believers are encouraged to pursue holiness, recognizing that defilement can hinder their spiritual growth and witness.

Demonstration viii. --Of the Resurrection of the Dead.
... Thou hast gone astray; as water, thou shalt not abide, because thou wentest
up father's bed. Truly thou defilest my couch and wentest up. ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration viii of the resurrection of.htm

Original Sin
... Thou carriest a hell about thee, thou canst do nothing but thou defilest it; thy
heart, like muddy ground, defiles the purest water that runs through it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 original sin.htm

John xiii. 36
... continually? But now, this is not the only sin, but there is one more grievous
than this, that thou defilest the souls of the saints. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxiii john xiii 36.htm

Defilest (1 Occurrence)
...Defilest (1 Occurrence). ... On the ways thou hast sat for them, As an Arab in a wilderness,
And thou defilest the land, By thy fornications, and by thy wickedness. ...
/d/defilest.htm - 6k

Defiles (12 Occurrences)

/d/defiles.htm - 9k

Defileth (12 Occurrences)

/d/defileth.htm - 10k

Defiled (119 Occurrences)
... On the ways thou hast sat for them, As an Arab in a wilderness, And thou defilest
the land, By thy fornications, and by thy wickedness. (See NIV). ...
/d/defiled.htm - 38k

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