Then there arose a question between [some] of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
Then {G3767} there arose {G1096} a question {G2214} between {G3326} some of {G1537} John's {G2491} disciples {G3101} and the Jews {G2453} about {G4012} purifying {G2512}.
A discussion arose between some of Yochanan’s talmidim and a Judean about ceremonial washing;
Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.
There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purifying.
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John 2:6
And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. -
Hebrews 6:2
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. -
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire: -
Hebrews 9:10
[Which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation. -
Hebrews 9:23
¶ [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. -
1 Peter 3:21
¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: -
Hebrews 9:13
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Context
This verse immediately follows John the Baptist's imprisonment and sets the stage for his final, crucial testimony about Jesus. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus and His disciples were also baptizing in Judea (though John 4:2 clarifies Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples did). The presence of two prominent figures (John and Jesus) performing baptisms or purification rites naturally led to questions and comparisons among their respective followers and the broader Jewish community.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word translated "purifying" is katharismos (καθαρισμοῦ). It denotes a cleansing or purification, often in a ritual or ceremonial sense. This term was significant in Jewish law and practice, referring to various rites of purification from defilement. The debate here underscores a tension between external, ceremonial cleansing and the deeper, spiritual purification that Jesus would later offer through His sacrifice (compare Hebrews 9:14).
Practical Application
This verse reminds us that even within sincere religious pursuits, questions and debates can arise, sometimes leading to comparisons or rivalries among followers. The dispute over "purifying" points to a deeper shift from external religious rituals to the internal, spiritual transformation offered by Christ. For believers today, it encourages us to: