# unclean #

## Definition: ##	 

In the Bible, the term "​unclean"​ is used figuratively to refer to things that God declared to be unfit for his people to touch, eat, or sacrifice.
 
* God gave the Israelites instructions about which animals were "​clean"​ and which ones were "​unclean."​ The unclean animals were not permitted to be used for eating or for sacrifice.	 
* People with certain skin diseases were said to be "unclean" until they were healed.	 
* If the Israelites touched something "​unclean,"​ they themselves would be considered unclean for a certain period of time.	 
* Obeying God's commands about not touching or eating unclean things kept the Israelites set apart for God's service.	 
* This physical and ritual uncleanness was also symbolic of moral uncleanness.	 
* In another figurative sense, an "​unclean spirit"​ refers to an evil spirit.

## Translation Suggestions: ##

* The term "unclean" could also be translated as "not clean" or "unfit in God's eyes" or "physically unclean" or "defiled."
* When referring to a demon as an unclean spirit, "unclean" could be translated as "evil" or "defiled."
* The translation of this term should allow for spiritual uncleanness. It should be able to refer to anything that God declared as unfit for touching, eating, or sacrifice.

(See also: [clean, cleanse](../kt/clean.md) **·** [defile](../other/defile.md) **·** [demon, evil spirit, unclean spirit](../kt/demon.md) **·** [holy, holiness](../kt/holy.md) **·** [sacrifice, offering](../other/sacrifice.md) **·** [unholy](../kt/unholy.md)) 

## Bible References: ##

* [1 Thessalonians 04:7-8](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1th/04/07)
* [Acts 08:6-8](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/08/06)
* [Acts 10:27-29](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/10/27)
* [Colossians 03:5-8](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/col/03/05)
* [Genesis 07:1-3](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/07/01)
* [Matthew 23:27-28](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/23/27)