Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "heathen" is often used to describe nations or individuals who do not worship the God of Israel and are outside the covenant community. The concept of "filthiness" associated with the heathen is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, reflecting both physical and spiritual impurity.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the practices of the heathen nations surrounding them. These nations were often characterized by idolatry, immorality, and various abominations in the sight of God. The term "filthy" is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual corruption and moral decay of these peoples. For instance, in the book of Ezekiel, God condemns the idolatrous practices of the nations, describing them as "filthy" in their abominations. Ezekiel 36:25 states, "I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols." This verse highlights the contrast between the purity God desires for His people and the filthiness of idolatry. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of filthiness is expanded to include moral and spiritual uncleanness. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often contrasts the purity expected of believers with the filthiness of the pagan world. In 2 Corinthians 7:1 , Paul exhorts the believers, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." The heathen, in this context, are those who live according to the flesh, indulging in sinful behaviors that are considered filthy in the eyes of God. The call to holiness is a recurring theme, urging believers to separate themselves from the moral filth of the world. Symbolism and Imagery The imagery of filthiness is often used symbolically to represent the spiritual state of those who reject God. In Revelation 17:4 , Babylon, a symbol of worldly corruption, is described as "holding a golden cup full of abominations and the filth of her adulteries." This vivid imagery underscores the depth of spiritual corruption associated with those who oppose God's ways. Moral and Spiritual Implications The association of the heathen with filthiness serves as a warning to the covenant community to remain distinct and separate from the corrupt practices of the world. The call to holiness and purity is a central tenet of the biblical narrative, urging believers to live lives that reflect the character of God. Throughout Scripture, the contrast between the holy and the profane, the clean and the unclean, serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's grace. Believers are called to be a light in the darkness, living lives that are set apart from the filthiness of the heathen world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 6:21And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat, Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 4:19 Ephesians 5:12 Library "The Heritage of the Heathen" Though in Almost Every Age There have Indeed Been in the Heathen ... The Christians are not the Only Contemners of the Gods Contempt of ... Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ... "And we Will --" Groping in the Dark. But what the Meaning of this Is, is Already Clear to All. ... What Then? You Say; do You Declare that These Gods Exist Nowhere ... There was Doubt in the Councils of the Gods How that Unyielding ... But Why do we Speak of Your Having Bemired the Great Mother of the ... Resources What is the Lord's prayer and should we pray it? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian wear a purity ring? | GotQuestions.org Why is sexual purity so important? | GotQuestions.org Heathen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Abimelech Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Balaam Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Belshazzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cornelius Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cyrus Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Nebuchadnezzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Pharaoh Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Excluded from the Temple Heathen: Nebuchadnezzar, After his Restoration Heathen: The Centurion at Caesarea Heathen: The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Their Land Given to Israel The Heathen are Without God and Christ The Heathen: Baptism to be Administered To The Heathen: Cautions Against Imitating The Heathen: Conversion of, Acceptable to God The Heathen: Danger of Intercourse With The Heathen: Employed to Chastise the Church The Heathen: Evil of Imitating The Heathen: God: Brings to Nought the Counsels of The Heathen: God: Will be Exalted Among The Heathen: God: Will Finally Judge The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Goodness of God The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Power of God The Heathen: Have: The Testimony of Conscience The Heathen: Necessity for Preaching To The Heathen: Praise God for Success of the Gospel Among The Heathen: Salvation of, Foretold The Heathen: Salvation Provided For The Heathen: Scoffing at Saints The Heathen: Strangers to the Covenant of Promise The Heathen: The Church Shall be Avenged of The Heathen: The Glory of God to be Declared Among The Heathen: The Gospel Received By The Heathen: The Gospel to be Preached To The Heathen: The Holy Spirit Poured out Upon The Heathen: Worshippers of the Devil Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |