### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katharismós**, represented by `{{G2512}}`, refers to a washing off. It is used to describe both a ceremonial **ablution** and a moral **expiation**. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is translated as cleansing, purge, or purification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2512}}` is used in two primary ways. It denotes the ceremonial rituals of the Jews, such as the **purifying** with stone waterpots [[John 2:6]] and the **purification** of a mother according to the Law of Moses [[Luke 2:22]]. This ceremonial use is also seen when individuals healed by Jesus are commanded to **offer** for their **cleansing** as a testimony ([[Mark 1:44]], [[Luke 5:14]]). The term also carries a profound moral weight, referring to the spiritual expiation from sin, as when Christ "by himself **purged** our sins" [[Hebrews 1:3]] and when a believer is reminded that he was **purged** from his old sins [[2 Peter 1:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of purification and its associated actions:
* `{{G2508}}` **kathaírō** (purge): As the verb form, this word means to cleanse or expiate. It is used to describe worshippers who were once **purged** [[Hebrews 10:2]] and the act of God who **purgeth** a branch so it may bear more fruit [[John 15:2]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (sin): This is the object of moral purification. The work of Christ is explicitly tied to the removal of **sin** [[Hebrews 1:3]], and forgetting this act is to forget that one was purged from past **sins** [[2 Peter 1:9]].
* `{{G4374}}` **prosphérō** (offer): This term is linked to the ceremonial aspect of cleansing. Under the Law of Moses, a ritual act was required, such as when a healed person was instructed to **offer** for his cleansing [[Luke 5:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2512}}` is seen in its dual application of ritual and reality.
* **Ceremonial Cleansing:** The word describes the outward purification rituals required by Jewish law. This is seen in the "manner of the **purifying** of the Jews" [[John 2:6]] and the dispute over the practice [[John 3:25]]. These acts were often connected to a presentation before a priest or the Lord ([[Luke 2:22]], [[Mark 1:44]]).
* **Moral Expiation from Sin:** The concept is elevated to a spiritual truth in the work of Christ. His act of having **purged** our **sins** is a singular, definitive event accomplished "by himself" [[Hebrews 1:3]], establishing a permanent moral cleansing that ritual could only foreshadow.
* **Foundation of Christian Life:** The believer's awareness of this purification is critical. Forgetting that one was **purged** from sin is presented as a form of spiritual blindness [[2 Peter 1:9]], indicating that this cleansing is fundamental to a Christian's identity and walk.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2512}}` is a word that bridges the Old Covenant's ceremonial laws with the New Covenant's spiritual reality. It moves from external acts of **purification** tied to the Law of Moses [[Luke 2:22]] to the ultimate, internal **purging** of sin accomplished by Christ [[Hebrews 1:3]]. This progression illustrates a shift from temporary, ritual washing to a permanent, moral expiation that is central to the Christian faith.
TRV