Bible Dictionaries
Washing

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Various ceremonial washings were enjoined in the Mosaic law, both upon priests, Exodus 30:19-21 , and upon others, Leviticus 12:1; 15:33 Hebrews 9:10 .

These were significant of spiritual purification through the Savior's blood, Titus 3:5 Revelation 1:5 , as well as of that holiness without which none can see God. To these the Jews added other traditional ablutions, Mark 7:2-4; and regarded it as an act of impiety to neglect them, as Christ frequently did, Luke 11:38 . The washing of the hands before and after meals, Matthew 15:2 , called for by their custom of feeding themselves with their fingers, is still practiced in Syria. See cut in BED .

Where there is a servant in attendance, he pours water from a pitcher over his master's hands, holding also a broad vessel underneath them, 2 Kings 3:11 Psalm 60:8 . See Deuteronomy 21:6 Matthew 27:24; and has given rise to the proverbial saying common among us, "I wash my hands of that."

Bibliography Information
Rand, W. W. Entry for 'Washing'. American Tract Society Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ats/​w/washing.html. 1859.