a primitive root; to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative; fuller, wash(-ing).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kâbaç**, represented by `{{H3526}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to wash**. It appears 51 times across 48 unique verses in the Bible. The word's core meaning comes from the idea of trampling or stamping with the feet, which was a method for washing. It is used both literally for cleaning clothes and figuratively for purification from sin, and also refers to the occupation of a **fuller**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3526}}` is used in several key contexts. It is frequently commanded for ceremonial cleansing, where individuals who have become unclean must **wash** their clothes to be restored ([[Leviticus 11:25]], [[Numbers 19:19]]). Before the Lord's appearance at Sinai, the people were instructed to sanctify themselves and **wash** their clothes [[Exodus 19:10]]. The word also has a professional application, referring to the "fuller's field," a specific location mentioned in Jerusalem ([[Isaiah 7:3]], [[2 Kings 18:17]]). Figuratively, it is used to describe spiritual purification, as when David pleads with God, "**Wash** me throughly from mine iniquity" [[Psalms 51:2]], and when Jerusalem is commanded to "**wash** thine heart from wickedness" [[Jeremiah 4:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of washing and purification:
* `{{H7364}}` **râchats** (bathe, wash): This word is frequently used alongside `{{H3526}}` in purification laws. While **kâbaç** refers to washing clothes, **râchats** typically refers to bathing the flesh or body ([[Leviticus 15:5]], [[Numbers 19:7]]).
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr** (to be pure, clean, cleanse): This term often describes the result of the washing action of `{{H3526}}`. An individual washes their clothes in order to "be clean" ([[Leviticus 13:34]], [[Numbers 31:24]]).
* `{{H1287}}` **bôrîyth** (sope): This refers to the cleansing agent used in washing. It is mentioned in the context of the **fuller** [[Malachi 3:2]] and in a figurative sense where not even much **soap** can wash away iniquity [[Jeremiah 2:22]].
* `{{H2398}}` **châṭâʼ** (to sin, cleanse, purge): This represents the spiritual impurity that requires figurative washing. In [[Psalms 51:7]], David asks God to **purge** him so he can be clean, immediately followed by a plea to be washed (kâbaç).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3526}}` is significant, moving from physical action to spiritual metaphor.
* **Ceremonial Holiness:** The repeated command to **wash** clothes in the Law is a physical act symbolizing a spiritual state. It was a necessary step for purification and sanctification, preparing the people to approach a holy God [[Exodus 19:10]] or be restored to the community after becoming unclean [[Leviticus 14:8]].
* **Figurative Purification from Sin:** Scripture uses `{{H3526}}` to illustrate the deep need for moral cleansing. David's cry to be washed from iniquity [[Psalms 51:2]] shows that sin is a stain that only God can remove. Jeremiah contrasts this with futile human efforts, stating that even nitre and soap cannot cleanse the ingrained stain of sin before God [[Jeremiah 2:22]].
* **Symbol of Divine Judgment:** The image of the "fullers' soap" becomes a powerful prophetic symbol. In [[Malachi 3:2]], the coming of the Lord is compared to this intense cleansing agent, signifying a process of refining judgment that purifies God's people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3526}}` **kâbaç** is more than a simple term for washing. It begins as a literal instruction for cleaning garments, rooted in the physical act of trampling and fulling. This develops into a critical component of Israel's ceremonial law, representing the outward purity required for holiness. Ultimately, it is used by the psalmists and prophets as a profound metaphor for the spiritual cleansing from sin and the refining judgment of God, illustrating the Bible's consistent theme that true purity is an internal matter of the heart that requires divine action.
TRV