Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H2930 (טָמֵא, tame'): To be unclean, become impure.
• H2931 (טָמֵא, tame'): Unclean, impure.
• H2932 (טֻמְאָה, tum'ah): Impurity, filthiness.

These Hebrew terms are often used in the Old Testament to describe ceremonial and moral impurity, providing a background for understanding the New Testament concept of defilement as expressed by ἀλίσγημα. The continuity between the Hebrew and Greek terms reflects the ongoing concern for holiness and the avoidance of defilement in the biblical tradition.

Usage: The term ἀλίσγημα is used in the context of religious or ceremonial impurity, often referring to things that are considered unclean or defiled according to religious laws or customs.

Context: The Greek term ἀλίσγημα appears in the New Testament in contexts that address issues of purity and defilement, particularly in relation to dietary laws and idolatry. In the early Christian community, questions of what constituted defilement were significant, especially as the Gospel spread to Gentile regions where different cultural and religious practices were prevalent.

In Acts 15:20, the term is used during the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders discuss the requirements for Gentile converts to Christianity. The council concludes that Gentile believers should abstain from certain practices, including "things polluted by idols" (ἀλίσγημα), as part of their commitment to the faith. This decision reflects the early church's effort to maintain a standard of holiness while accommodating the diverse backgrounds of its members.

The use of ἀλίσγημα underscores the importance of spiritual purity and the avoidance of practices associated with idolatry and pagan rituals. It highlights the early church's struggle to define the boundaries of Christian conduct in a multicultural world, balancing the call to holiness with the inclusivity of the Gospel message.