The phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness" is a well-known saying that many people often attribute to the Bible. However, a thorough examination of the scriptures reveals that this exact phrase does not appear anywhere in the biblical text. It is a common misconception, likely due to the moral and ethical teachings that are prevalent throughout the Bible, which emphasize purity, both in a physical and spiritual sense.
The origins of the phrase are often traced back to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who used a similar expression in a sermon in 1778. Wesley stated, "Slovenliness is no part of religion. Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness." This reflects the cultural value placed on cleanliness and its perceived proximity to spiritual purity, but it is important to note that Wesley's words were not derived directly from scripture.
Despite the absence of this specific phrase, the Bible does have much to say about cleanliness, both in the physical and spiritual realms. In the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, there are numerous laws and regulations concerning cleanliness. These laws were given to the Israelites and included instructions on personal hygiene, dietary restrictions, and purification rituals. The purpose of these laws was not only to promote physical health but also to symbolize the holiness and separateness of God's people.
For instance, Leviticus 11 outlines the dietary laws that distinguish clean and unclean animals. Leviticus 13 and 14 provide detailed instructions on how to handle skin diseases and mildew, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy community. These laws were part of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, serving as a constant reminder of the need for purity and holiness.
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from external cleanliness to internal purity. Jesus emphasized the importance of the heart's condition over mere outward appearances. In Matthew 15:11, Jesus states, "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person." Here, Jesus challenges the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, who were overly concerned with ritual cleanliness, to consider the deeper spiritual implications of purity.
Moreover, in Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean." Jesus' teachings highlight the importance of inner transformation and the pursuit of righteousness, which surpasses the mere observance of external rituals.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of cleanliness in a spiritual sense. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, he writes, "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." Here, Paul encourages believers to purify themselves, both physically and spiritually, as a response to God's promises and as an expression of their reverence for Him.
The theme of cleanliness extends beyond individual purity to encompass the collective body of believers. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul uses the metaphor of marriage to describe Christ's relationship with the church: "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish." This passage underscores the transformative power of Christ's love and the sanctifying work of the Word in purifying the church.
While the Bible does not explicitly state that "cleanliness is next to godliness," it is evident that the principles of cleanliness and purity are deeply woven into the fabric of biblical teaching. The emphasis on cleanliness in the Old Testament laws served as a precursor to the greater spiritual truths revealed in the New Testament, where inner purity and holiness take precedence over external observance.
In Christian literature, the theme of cleanliness is often explored in the context of spiritual growth and sanctification. For example, in C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity," Lewis discusses the process of becoming more Christ-like, which involves the cleansing of one's character and the pursuit of holiness. Similarly, in Richard Foster's "Celebration of Discipline," the discipline of simplicity is linked to the purity of heart, suggesting that a life free from clutter and distraction can lead to a deeper relationship with God.
In summary, while the phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness" is not found in the Bible, the concept of cleanliness, both physically and spiritually, is a significant biblical theme. The scriptures call for a purity that transcends mere outward cleanliness, urging believers to seek a transformation of the heart and to live lives that reflect the holiness of God. This pursuit of purity is not about adhering to a set of rules but about cultivating a relationship with God that is marked by integrity, sincerity, and love.
