In the biblical context, the term "unclean" often refers to a state of impurity, both physically and spiritually, that separates individuals from the holiness of God. The character of the wicked is frequently described as unclean, highlighting their moral and spiritual corruption.

Old Testament Context

The concept of uncleanness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with ceremonial laws. However, it also extends to moral and ethical behavior. In Leviticus, God provides the Israelites with laws to distinguish between the clean and unclean, emphasizing the need for holiness: "You must therefore distinguish between the clean and the unclean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not" (Leviticus 11:47). This distinction serves as a metaphor for the moral separation between the righteous and the wicked.

The prophets frequently use the imagery of uncleanness to describe the sinful nature of the wicked. Isaiah laments the spiritual state of the people, saying, "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). This verse underscores the idea that even the seemingly righteous deeds of the wicked are tainted by their inherent impurity.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of uncleanness is expanded to include moral defilement. Jesus confronts the Pharisees and teachers of the law, exposing their hypocrisy and inner corruption: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). Here, Jesus highlights the contrast between outward appearances and inward reality, emphasizing that true uncleanness stems from the heart.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the character of the wicked in his epistles. In his letter to the Romans, he describes those who have turned away from God: "Therefore God gave them over to the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another" (Romans 1:24). This passage illustrates how the rejection of God leads to a life characterized by impurity and moral decay.

Spiritual Implications

The character of the wicked as unclean has profound spiritual implications. It signifies a separation from God, who is holy and pure. The psalmist declares, "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart" (Psalm 24:3-4). This verse highlights the necessity of purity for those who seek to be in the presence of God.

The wicked, by contrast, are described as being unable to enter into God's presence due to their uncleanness. Revelation speaks of the ultimate fate of the unclean: "But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life" (Revelation 21:27). This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of remaining in a state of spiritual impurity.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the wicked as unclean serves as a powerful warning against moral and spiritual corruption. It underscores the need for repentance and the transformative power of God's grace to cleanse and purify the heart. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are called to live lives that reflect the holiness and purity of God, in stark contrast to the character of the wicked.Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 4:19
Who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Nave's Topical Index

Petilianus Said: "But that I May Thoroughly Investigate the ...
... those who are not wicked; and if baptism itself is unclean in all of you who are
unclean, and if it is of different kinds according to the varying character of ...
/.../chapter 33 77 petilianus.htm

The Unclean Spirits.
... The character of these teachers, is shown by the declaration that ... the Jews, it generally,
if not universally, denoted an unclean, malign, or wicked spirit ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... Lamentations 3:29,) crying out, Unclean, unclean, (Leviticus 13 ... God, keepeth himself,
and that wicked one toucheth ... branch of every good man's character; for he ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm

The Antichrist Will be the Son of Satan
... Now the very fact that the Wicked One is here ... Third, it is said of this character,
"With thy wisdom ... 12:43 the Antichrist is called "The Unclean Spirit," not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/ii the antichrist will be.htm

For which Reason, Whatever Else There May be in the Writings of ...
... And amongst the unclean animals mentioned by Moses are the ... as examples of all that
is most wicked; and that a ... not at all owing to their moral character, so, in ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xciii for which reason.htm

A Reasonable Service
... He is a God of mercy." This is his character. ... Let the wicked forsake his ... was raised
at the voice of the Master could never again have been worldly and unclean. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a reasonable service.htm

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... 6. As an essential part of the character of God's ... No whoremonger, nor unclean person,
nor covetous man, who is an ... The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

The Clean and the Unclean
... maintain the dignity of your newborn character, and to ... whole world lieth in the wicked
one." Scripture ... distinction drawn between clean and unclean animals was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the clean and the unclean.htm

The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ...
... which is peculiarly prophetic in its character and contents ... shall it be also unto
this wicked generation." Who ... then, is referred to by "the unclean spirit?" We ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the old and new testaments.htm

The Antichrist Will be a Jew
... what should be noted particularly, is, that this profane and wicked character is
here ... chapter, when we shall endeavor to show that "The Unclean Spirit" here is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/i the antichrist will be.htm

What does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.org

What is the character of God? | GotQuestions.org

How does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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