Bible Dictionary
Baths
Baths were frequently used among the Hebrews for cleanliness and ritual purification. Priests, including the high priest, bathed on particular occasions connected with sanctuary service.
Definition
Baths were frequently used among the Hebrews for ordinary cleanliness and ritual purification. Washing was required in various circumstances of uncleanness, and the high priest bathed at his inauguration and on the Day of Atonement.
Biblical Usage
Biblical bathing is connected especially with purification and sanctuary service. The pools mentioned at Jerusalem and elsewhere are described as public bathing places.
Historical Background
The pools of Nehemiah, Hezekiah, Isaiah, and John are identified in the supplied material as public bathing places.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The use of the bath was very frequent among the Hebrews (Lev. 14:8; Num. 19:19, ect.). The high priest at his inauguration (Lev. 8:6), and on the day of atonement, was required to bathe himself (16:4, 24). The “pools” mentioned in Neh. 3:15, 16, 2 Kings 20:20, Isa. 22:11, John 9:7, were public bathing-places.