ekkathairo denotes removing what is old or impure, whether from a communal image or from oneself for useful service.

The two verses show cleansing as the removal of what must be put away: old leaven in a call to become a new lump, and harmful matters from oneself in preparation for honorable, useful service.

1. Removing what must be put away · dominant

   In 1 Corinthians 5:7, the aorist active plural form addresses a group in the clause about removing old leaven so that they may be a new lump; the APB renders the clause “Clean out the old leaven.” In 2 Timothy 2:21, the aorist active subjunctive singular form appears in the condition that someone cleanse himself from “these,” followed by becoming a vessel for honor and prepared for every good work; the APB renders “if anyone cleanses himself from these.”

   1 Corinthians 5:72 Timothy 2:21

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB presents the action as “Clean out” in 1 Corinthians 5:7 and “cleanses himself” in 2 Timothy 2:21. These phrases show the clauses' presentation rather than fixed English equivalents.