The term "washest" is an archaic form of the verb "wash," found in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of cleansing, both in a physical and spiritual sense. In the context of the Bible, washing often symbolizes purification, renewal, and preparation for worship or service to God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, washing is frequently associated with ritual purification. The Law of Moses includes numerous instructions regarding washing to maintain ceremonial cleanliness. For instance, in Exodus 30:18-21, God commands Moses to make a bronze basin for washing: "You are to make a basin of bronze, with a bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it, with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet." This act of washing was necessary for the priests to approach the altar and perform their duties, symbolizing the need for purity when coming before God.

Leviticus 15 outlines various laws concerning bodily discharges, requiring individuals to wash their clothes and bathe in water to become clean. This underscores the importance of physical cleanliness as a representation of spiritual purity.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of washing takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity over external rituals. In Matthew 23:25-26, He rebukes the Pharisees: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well."

The act of washing is also significant in the context of baptism, which symbolizes the washing away of sins and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Acts 22:16, Ananias tells Saul (later Paul), "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Washing in the Bible often symbolizes spiritual cleansing and renewal. In Psalm 51:2, David pleads with God, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." This reflects the deep desire for forgiveness and purification from sin.

The imagery of washing is also present in the eschatological vision of Revelation. In Revelation 7:14, the great multitude is described as having "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," signifying redemption and the ultimate purification through Christ's sacrifice.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of washing serves as a reminder of the need for continual spiritual cleansing and renewal. It encourages self-examination and repentance, aligning one's life with the holiness and righteousness of God. The practice of baptism as an outward expression of an inward transformation remains a vital ordinance in the Christian faith, symbolizing the believer's new life in Christ.

John xiii. 1
... 3 ). [1987] "Him, therefore said He, Ye are not all clean," NT. [1988] al. "washest
thou.". [1989] metriazein. [1990] al. "yet they had not.". [1991] from c. xv ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxx john xiii 1.htm

The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper.
... Lord - Thou - of me washest the feet!' It was the utterance of deepest reverence
for the Master, and yet of utter misunderstanding of the meaning of His action ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x the paschal supper.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... abilities. 'Thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the
earth, and thou destroyest the hope of man' (Job 14:19). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Washest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Washest (2 Occurrences). ... (KJV WBS). Psalms 51:7 Thou cleansest
me with hyssop and I am clean, Washest me, and than snow I am whiter. ...
/w/washest.htm - 6k

Washes (1 Occurrence)

/w/washes.htm - 6k

Washeth (4 Occurrences)

/w/washeth.htm - 7k

Destroyest (10 Occurrences)
... Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out
of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man. ...
/d/destroyest.htm - 9k

Cleansest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cleansest (1 Occurrence). Psalms 51:7 Thou cleansest me
with hyssop and I am clean, Washest me, and than snow I am whiter. (YLT). ...
/c/cleansest.htm - 6k

Grow (139 Occurrences)
... Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out
of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man. (KJV WBS). ...
/g/grow.htm - 34k

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