Lexical Summary ekptuó: To spit out, to reject with disgust. Original Word: ἐκπτύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reject, loatheFrom ek and ptuo; to spit out, i.e. (figuratively) spurn -- reject. see GREEK ek see GREEK ptuo HELPS Word-studies 1609 ekptýō (from 1537 /ek, "wholly out," intensifying 4429 /ptýō, "spit") – properly, spit out (completely, with revulsion) because utterly distasteful, i.e. loathe (thoroughly separate from); reject vigorously, with utter disgust (used only in Gal 4:14). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and ptuó Definition to spit out, to spurn NASB Translation loathe (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1609: ἐκπτύωἐκπτύω: 1 aorist ἐξεπτυσα; to spit out (Homer, Odyssey 5, 322, etc.); tropically, to reject, spurn, loathe: τί, Galatians 4:14, in which sense the Greeks used καταπτύειν, προσπτύειν, πτύειν, and Philo παραπτύειν; cf. Kypke and Loesner (or Ellicott) on Galatians, the passage cited; Lob. ad Phryn., p. 17. Topical Lexicon Root Meaning and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, spitting conveyed intense revulsion. To “spit out” an unwanted object or person was a strong outward sign of rejection, far more vivid than simply turning away. Within Jewish culture it could signal ceremonial impurity or utter contempt (Numbers 12:14; Deuteronomy 25:9). Thus the single New Testament use of the verb ἐκπτύω carries a force that first-century readers would immediately feel: the absolute repudiation of someone or something considered loathsome. Biblical Occurrence in Galatians 4:14 “Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise me or reject me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.” (Galatians 4:14) Paul recalls arriving in Galatia physically weakened—possibly diseased or disfigured. Contemporary superstition treated certain illnesses as a curse of the gods, warranting spitting to avert evil. Instead of recoiling, the Galatians embraced the apostle. By choosing not to “spit out” Paul, they demonstrated a Spirit-wrought discernment that the messenger’s frailty did not invalidate the divine message. Their response became evidence of genuine faith (Galatians 4:15). Hospitality vs. Contempt in First-Century Galatia Travelers depended on local hospitality, yet physical ailments often provoked fear of contagion or ritual defilement. Medical texts from the period describe spitting in the presence of the sick to ward off the “evil eye.” Against that backdrop the Galatians’ welcome stands out. They set aside cultural taboos, honored the wounded preacher, and thus honored Christ. Their conduct mirrors the wider biblical ethic: receive prophets despite outward weakness (Matthew 10:40-42), extend compassion to the marginalized (Luke 10:33-35), and remember that God chooses “what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Spiritual and Theological Insights 1. The gospel nullifies fleshly standards. Refusing to “spit out” Paul illustrates how faith reorders values—from outward appearance to spiritual truth (2 Corinthians 5:16). Related Scriptural Imagery • Rejection of the righteous: Job 30:10; Isaiah 50:6; Mark 15:19. The contrast between rejection (Job 30:10) and acceptance (Galatians 4:14) showcases the transformative power of grace. Practical Ministry Application • Honor gospel workers regardless of outward limitations. Physical weakness, cultural difference, or social stigma must not diminish our esteem for those God sends. Conclusion The lone New Testament use of Strong’s Greek 1609 captures a vivid cultural gesture of rejection that the Galatians, by God’s grace, refused to employ. Their countercultural hospitality toward a frail apostle exemplifies gospel transformation: what the world is tempted to spit out, the church is called to cherish. Forms and Transliterations εκραγείη έκρηγμα εξεπτυσατε εξεπτύσατε ἐξεπτύσατε exeptusate exeptysate exeptýsateLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |