Filthy (ῥυπαρία)

“Filthy” is a term used to express defilement resulting from a person’s sins. It denotes moral corruption or uncleanness, not physical dirt on the body. It is derived from the concept of the outward appearance of filth, as in a person wearing dirty clothing (James 2:2).

The grace believer is instructed to put away all filthiness and the excessive abundance of wrongdoing, receiving the implanted Word of God with objectivity of mind (James 1:21). Here, “filthiness” refers to the defilement that arises from the sin nature expressed through conduct.

The Apostle Peter also writes concerning the filthiness of the flesh in relation to water immersion. Baptism is not for the removal of the filth of the flesh—the defilement of the sin nature—but rather for the appeal of a good conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21). Thus, water baptism neither saves nor imparts a second blessing. Instead, it is the response of a good conscience toward God, reflecting an understanding of the believer’s association with the death and resurrection of Christ, thereby enabling him to walk in newness of life.