Bible Dictionaries
Washing

Morrish Bible Dictionary

A requirement of frequent literal recurrence under the law, but in the N.T. a term bearing commonly a moral force and application. Important truth may be learned from the different significations of the Greek words used for 'washing' in John 13 . The word in John 13:10 is λούω, 'to cleanse, wash thoroughly.' One who is cleansed in this sense never needs to be thus washed again; he is, as the Lord said, 'clean every whit,' yet in order to have 'part with' Christ, he needs, because of the defilement of the way, that his feet should be washed (here the word is νίπτω), John 13:5-14 , an action which is applied to parts of the body only. The same difference was typified in the cleansing of Aaron and his sons. They were at their consecration once 'washed' by Moses, but were thenceforward required continually, when executing their service, to wash only their hands and feet in the laver. Exodus 40:12,30-32 .

Bibliography Information
Morrish, George. Entry for 'Washing'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​mbd/​w/washing.html. 1897.