### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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