What does the Bible say about uncleanness?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that uncleanness made a person ceremonially unfit to approach God’s sanctuary and called for cleansing, reverence, and obedience. Leviticus 5:2-3 shows that even accidental contact with human or animal impurity required confession and atonement. Leviticus 7:20-21 warns that the unclean must not partake of holy offerings, while Leviticus 17:15 provides a means of washing after eating an animal found dead. Priests bore special responsibilities for purity in Leviticus 21:1-15 and 22:2-8, since they ministered before the holy Lord. These laws taught Israel that God is holy and that sin defiles; they ultimately point to Christ, who cleanses His people and brings them near to God.