### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun hagnismós (`{{G49}}`) is derived from the verb hagnízō (`{{G48}}`), meaning "to purify," "to consecrate," or "to make holy." As a noun, hagnismós denotes the *act* or *process* of purification or cleansing. The base definition specifies its primary usage in ceremonial contexts, referring to ritual lustration. It signifies being made pure, clean, or fit for sacred use or divine presence, often in a cultic or ritualistic sense. While primarily external and ritual, it points to the underlying theological concept of purity required for fellowship with a holy God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hagnismós (`{{G49}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 21:26]]. The context is Paul's final visit to Jerusalem, where he is advised by James and the elders to participate in a purification ritual. This act was intended to demonstrate Paul's continued respect for the Mosaic Law and to counter false accusations that he taught Jews to abandon their traditions.
[[Acts 21:26]] states: "Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having purified himself with them, went into the temple, announcing the completion of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for each one of them." Here, "purified himself" translates hagnízō (`{{G48}}`), and "days of purification" is hagnismós (`{{G49}}`). This specific instance refers to the completion of a Nazirite vow (cf. Numbers 6), which required a period of separation followed by specific purification rites and sacrifices upon its fulfillment. Paul's participation in this hagnismós was a pragmatic act of cultural accommodation, demonstrating his desire to avoid unnecessary offense to devout Jewish believers and to show that the gospel did not inherently negate all aspects of the Law.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **hagnízō (`{{G48}}`):** The verbal root of hagnismós, meaning "to purify," "to sanctify," or "to consecrate." It can refer to both ritual purification (e.g., [[John 11:55]]) and moral/spiritual purification (e.g., [[James 4:8]], [[1 John 3:3]]).
* **hagnos (`{{G53}}`):** The adjective, meaning "pure," "holy," "chaste." It describes the state of being pure, often in a moral or ethical sense (e.g., [[Philippians 4:8]], [[Titus 2:5]], [[1 Peter 3:2]]).
* **katharismos (`{{G251}}`):** Another significant Greek word for "purification" or "cleansing." While hagnismós (`{{G49}}`) typically carries a specific ceremonial connotation, katharismos (`{{G251}}`) is broader, encompassing physical, ritual, and spiritual cleansing (e.g., [[Mark 1:44]], [[Luke 2:22]], [[Hebrews 1:3]]). The distinction is subtle, but hagnismós often emphasizes the act of making oneself ritually ready for sacred service or divine presence, particularly in the context of vows or specific religious observances.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of ritual purity and purification rites is deeply embedded in the Levitical Law (e.g., Leviticus 11-15, Numbers 6). These practices, often translated by forms of hagnos or katharos in the Septuagint (LXX), laid the groundwork for understanding the need for ceremonial cleansing before approaching a holy God.
### Theological Significance
While hagnismós (`{{G49}}`) itself appears only once in a descriptive, historical context, its presence in the New Testament highlights the tension and transition from Old Covenant ceremonialism to New Covenant spiritual realities. Paul's participation in the hagnismós in [[Acts 21:26]] illustrates his missiological strategy of becoming "all things to all people" ([[1 Corinthians 9:22]]) without compromising the core truth of the gospel. It shows that while salvation is by grace through faith, cultural and religious sensitivities could be respected where they did not contradict Christ's finished work.
More profoundly, the concept of "purification" in the New Testament transcends mere ritual. It points to the spiritual cleansing from sin offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Jesus Himself is the ultimate means of purification (e.g., [[Hebrews 1:3]]). Through His shed blood, believers are cleansed from sin and made holy, enabling them to draw near to God. This spiritual purification is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are called to live lives of increasing moral and spiritual purity (e.g., [[1 John 3:3]], "Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure"). The ceremonial hagnismós of the Old Covenant foreshadowed the true, internal purification of the New Covenant, where the heart is cleansed by faith and obedience, not merely by external rites.
### Summary
Hagnismós (`{{G49}}`) denotes the *act* of ceremonial purification or lustration, derived from the verb hagnízō (`{{G48}}`), "to purify." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 21:26]] describes Paul's participation in a Jewish purification rite, signifying his respect for Jewish customs and the Law. This specific ritual cleansing served as a bridge between Old Covenant practices and the new spiritual realities inaugurated by Christ. While hagnismós refers to external rites, its broader semantic family (e.g., hagnízō, hagnos `{{G53}}`) underscores the New Testament's profound emphasis on both ritual and, more significantly, moral and spiritual purity. Ultimately, the ceremonial hagnismós points to the ultimate spiritual cleansing from sin achieved through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, which enables believers to live lives of increasing holiness and draw near to a holy God.
TRV