The Hebrew word niqqâyôwn, represented by H5356, describes clearness, cleanness, or innocency. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. The term can be used in a literal sense, describing a physical state, or figuratively to convey moral blamelessness and purity.
In the biblical narrative, H5356 is used to express several distinct ideas. It signifies a declaration of personal blamelessness, as when Abimelech defends his actions by stating he acted in the "innocency of my hands" Genesis 20:5. The psalmist uses the term to describe a state of ritual and heart purity required to approach God, declaring, "I will wash mine hands in innocency" (Psalms 26:6, Psalms 73:13). In a prophetic judgment, it takes on a literal meaning where God gives Israel "cleanness of teeth," a metaphor for severe famine Amos 4:6. Finally, it represents a desired state of moral purity that God's people had failed to achieve Hosea 8:5.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of cleanness and innocence:
- H8537 tôm (innocence; integrity): This word is used alongside H5356 to describe a complete state of blamelessness, encompassing both the heart's intention and the hands' actions Genesis 20:5.
- H7364 râchats (to wash): This verb describes the physical action that symbolizes the inner state of H5356, as seen in the phrase "washed my hands in innocency" Psalms 73:13.
- H2135 zâkâh (to be innocent; be clean): This verb for cleansing is paired with the concept of washing one's hands in innocency, highlighting the effort to achieve a state of purity Psalms 73:13.
- H8127 shên (a tooth): This word is used in the literal application of H5356 to signify the "cleanness of teeth" that results from a famine sent as judgment Amos 4:6.
The theological weight of H5356 centers on the concepts of moral standing and divine judgment.
- Moral Blamelessness: The word establishes a standard for innocence, particularly in one's actions. Abimelech's plea of "innocency of my hands" shows it as a defense against guilt Genesis 20:5.
- Purity for Worship: The connection between washing and innocency indicates that a state of purity is necessary for approaching God's presence. It links an outward act to an inward spiritual condition Psalms 26:6.
- A Condition of Judgment: Innocency is not only a state to be achieved but also one from which people can fall. God's question in Hosea shows that a lack of innocency is a cause for divine anger Hosea 8:5, while the "cleanness of teeth" in Amos reveals that God can use a literal, negative cleanness to punish a people who have not returned to Him Amos 4:6.
In summary, H5356 is a focused term that signifies more than simple cleanliness. It conveys a state of being cleared from guilt, whether in a legal, moral, or ritual sense. From a declaration of personal integrity before a king to the state of a nation before God, H5356 defines a condition of blamelessness that has profound implications for one's relationship with both man and God.
TRV