Is cleanliness next to godliness?

Answer

The phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is not found in the Bible. This saying is an old proverb that can be traced back to Babylonian and Hebrew religious writings. Its first appearance in the English language, in a modified version, can be seen in the works of philosopher and scientist Sir Francis Bacon. In his book “Advancement of Learning” (1605), he stated, “Cleanness of body was always considered to come from a proper reverence for God.” Nearly two hundred years later (1791), John Wesley mentioned the phrase in one of his sermons in the form we commonly use today. Wesley wrote, “Slovenliness is not a part of religion. Indeed, cleanliness is next to godliness.”

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the idea linking cleanliness and godliness. The Israelites showed a clear concern for the concepts of “clean” and “unclean,” as a significant portion of the Mosaic Law details the principles related to them. The Israelites were instructed to avoid unclean things such as dead bodies, certain animals for consumption, leprosy, and bodily discharges. Detailed cleansing rituals were prescribed to purify an unclean individual so they could reintegrate into the community and the Lord’s sanctuary (Numbers 19). For the Jewish people, adherence to the ceremonial laws and regulations was seen as the means to approach God. Therefore, it is not surprising that the expression has its origins in Hebrew literature.

From a biblical perspective, however, external cleanliness is not linked to godliness. Jesus emphasized that a person is defiled by what is in their heart and that godliness is not achieved through dietary restrictions or frequent handwashing (Matthew 7:18-23). The Pharisees who questioned Jesus about His teachings failed to grasp this truth. They strictly followed the requirements and rituals of the Old Testament while awaiting the arrival of their Messiah. However, when He came and showed that true godliness comes from within, they struggled to understand.

Before them, they were blinded by their own efforts to obtain righteousness by the Law, and they denied Him. He told them, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39-40). For all their attention to the details of clean and unclean, they remained far from godliness.

The Greek word translated “godliness” in the New Testament means “holiness,” without which no one will see God «Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: », (Hebrews 12:14). But it is a holiness not obtained by keeping the Law, which is impossible (Romans 3:20;Galatians 2:16), but by being transformed into completely new creations in Christ by the power of God (2 Corinthians 5:17;Ephesians 4:24). At the moment of salvation, we are made completely clean and righteous before God and only then can we share in His godliness.