UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: cleansing, purification

Semantic entry: 53.28

Semantic domains: Religious Activities

Subdomains: Purify, Cleanse

Definition: act of cleansing from ritual contamination or impurity

Notes: The set of terms having the stem καθαρ appears to focus upon the elimination of ritual impurities. From an anthropological standpoint, this means the elimination of ritual contamination, or, in other words, negative taboo. This series of terms with the stem καθαρ appears to contrast with ἁγνίζω[a] and ἁγνισμός[a], ἁγιασμός [source selector 000001][b], and ἅγιος [source selector 000001][b] (53.44: ἁγιάζω / 53.44: ἁγιασμός, 53.45: ἁγιωσύνη / 53.45: ὁσιότης, 53.46: ἅγιος / 53.46: ὅσιος) focus upon a positive state of consecration and dedication to God and may be regarded as reflecting the acquisition of so-called positive taboo, that is to say, a state of holiness.