[Greek] ἄνιπτος (aniptos), [Latin] communis, [Latin] non lotis: unwashed, unclean, soiled; Mt.15:20, Mk.7:2,5
Curses Against the Pharisees: painting by James Tissot (1886)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means unwashed and unable to be washed out (unwashed). Homer’s Iliad 6.266 states “With hands unwashed I have awe to pour libation of flaming wine to Zeus.” Hesiod’s Work and Days 726 states “Never pour a libation of sparkling wine to Zeus and dawn with unwashed hands, nor to others of the deathless gods; otherwise they do not hear your prayers but spit them back.” Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 1459 states “Hast thou made flower-forth, red with the blood no rains disperse.”
Old Testament: Although this specific term does not exist in the Old Testament, this concept of purity does exist. God’s purity and holiness requires that man may only approach Him in a pure condition. Hands must be cultically purified for sacred actions (prayer and service). Many Judaic cultic practices, originally applied to the priests, were transferred to the laity. Thus washing the hands before a meal became a religious rule.
Anyone whom the afflicted mean touches with unrinsed hands shall wash his garments, bathe in water, an be uncleaned until evening (Lev.15:11). When they are about to enter the meeting tent, they must wash with water lest they die. Likewise when they approach the altar in their ministry, to make an oblation of the Lord (Exo.19:20). They must wash their hands and feet, lest they die. This shall be a perpetual ordinance for him and his descendants throughout their generations (Exo.19:21).
New Testament: This term means unwashed, unclean, and soiled. Jesus points out that what comes from the heart is what defiles. Jesus illustrates that the elders focus more on human precepts (traditions) by stating Isaiah’s prophecy. As a result, the Pharisees took offense when they heard this. The Pharisees and scribes observed that His disciples ate their meals with unwashed (unclean) hands. The human traditions often took on such importance as the Mosaic laws.
Scripture:
“These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.” Mt.15:20
Jesus points out what defiles comes from inside (the heart) of a person. What defiles includes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, unchastity, theft, false witness, and blasphemy.
“So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Him, ‘Why do Your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?’” Mk.7:5
Jesus states that they focus more on human precepts (traditions). These legalistic rules take on the importance of Mosaic laws.
Etymology: The Latin adjective communis means ordinary common, commonplace and universal. Interestingly, the related Latin verb communicare means to make something common. The Latin adjective lotis means washed, bathed, luxurious, refined, and elegant. The Latin phrase non lotis essentially means unwashed. In Mk.7:2 the Greek adjective koinos means unclean.
Conclusion:
Common, communicate, lotion
In Greek Hellenism, there also exists human precepts against making offerings with unwashed hands to the gods. Otherwise, one will be spited by the gods. It was interesting to discover the more nuanced sense of something unable to be washed.
It was interesting to discover that this term does not specifically occur in the Old Testament. Yet this notion is a profoundly important concept in approaching God with a purified state. Purification rituals often take on a sense of importance in everyday life.
As a result, Jesus points out this Pharasaic overemphasis of human purification rituals. Jesus makes an important distinction of what defiles. What defiles comes from inside the person.
However, in light of current circumstances, it has become prudent to frequently wash our hands during this pandemic. And don’t forget the lotion!