The Israelites incurred various forms of uncleanness from which they had to purify themselves by bathing their bodies and washing their clothes. ​ — Leviticus 11: 28; 14: 1 - 9; 15: 1 - 31; Deuteronomy 23: 10, 11.
Iisraellased võisid saada ebapuhtaks mitmel moel, misjärel tuli neil end puhastada, pestes oma ihu ja riideid.