Baptism (in Hebrew) is a Greek translation of” tevila”, meaning Immersion.
What is Baptism? – Baptism can best be understood through the Hebrew mindset and culture. Jewish immersion (tevila) is usually done in a Mikveh, which is a pool where water has gathered. A Mikveh is and was an essential element in any Synagogue, they were also part of the temple. Immersion is not for physical cleaning; physical washing would be done beforehand. Immersion is for Spiritual cleansing in a purification ceremony. The terms Purity and Impurity are inadequate translations from the Hebrew and give a physical rather than spiritual sound to the process.
