Part of the Jewish ritual of purification (Lev. 14:8; 15:5,16; 17:15; 22:6; Num. 19:7; 2 Sam. 11:2-4; 2 Kings 5:10). Customary after mourning (Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam. 12:20). Public bathing pools usually sheltered by porticos (2 Kings 20:20; Neh. 3:15; Isa. 22:11; John 5:2; 9:7).