Bible Dictionary
SEPARATION
Separation can describe ceremonial uncleanness under the Pentateuchal law or the setting apart associated with a Nazirite vow. Such separation marked a person or condition as distinct in relation to holiness.
Definition
Separation can denote a state of ceremonial uncleanness under the Pentateuchal law or the setting apart associated with a Nazirite vow. It describes a condition or status marked as distinct in relation to ritual holiness.
Biblical Usage
In the Pentateuch, niddah points especially to ceremonial uncleanness. The related idea of nezer refers to the separation or consecration of the Nazirite. Purification, including the water of purification, was connected with cleansing what was ceremonially unclean.
Historical Background
The Pentateuch connects separation with ritual regulations concerning childbirth, bodily conditions, the Nazirite observance, and the water of purification.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sep-a-ra'-shun: In the Pentateuch the word niddah specially points to a state of ceremonial uncleanness (Le 12:2,5; 15:20 ff; Nu 6:4 ff; 12:13; 19:21). For a description of the "water of purification," used for cleansing what was ceremonially unclean (Nu 19), see HEIFER, RED; UNCLEANNESS. For "separation" in the sense of nezer, see NAZIRITE.</p>