Lexical Summary ptusma: Spittle, spit Original Word: πτύσμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spittle. From ptuo; saliva -- spittle. see GREEK ptuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ptuó Definition spittle NASB Translation spittle (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4427: πτύσμαπτύσμα, πτύσματος, τό (πτύω, which see), spittle: John 9:6 ((Hippocrates), Polybius 8, 14, 5; Or. Sibylline 8, 411). Topical Lexicon Biblical context and usage The noun πτύσμα appears a single time in the Greek New Testament, John 9:6. “When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes” (John 9:6). John records the specific substance produced by Christ, underlining the tangible means by which the miracle is mediated. Parallel healings involving spittle (without this exact noun) are found in Mark 7:33 and Mark 8:23, underscoring that Jesus willingly employed an action commonly viewed as base to accomplish divine healing. Cultural and historical background In the first-century Mediterranean world, saliva bore a mixed reputation. Rabbinic literature and Greco-Roman medical texts occasionally credit it with curative properties, yet Mosaic law treats another’s spittle as a source of ceremonial uncleanness (Leviticus 15:8). Socially, spitting upon someone could signify contempt (Job 30:10). John’s deliberate mention that Jesus takes what is normally polluting or scornful and uses it for restoration heightens the dramatic reversal at work. Christological significance 1. Creative parallel. Forming clay from earth and moisture recalls Genesis 2:7, where the LORD shapes humanity from dust. Jesus’ action points to His divine prerogative to re-create what sin and the Fall have marred. Symbolism and theological themes • New creation: Dust plus the divine word brings sight, prefiguring the new heavens and earth where all infirmities are removed (Revelation 21:4-5). Related biblical references Leviticus 15:8; Numbers 12:14; Deuteronomy 25:9 – spittle associated with uncleanness or shame. Job 30:10; Isaiah 50:6 – spitting used as an insult, a contrast to Christ’s redemptive use. Mark 7:33; Mark 8:23 – Jesus’ other healings involving saliva. Genesis 2:7 – dust and breath in the first creation. Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 42:7 – prophetic expectation of sight for the blind. Applications for ministry and discipleship • God may choose unanticipated means to accomplish His purposes; believers should remain open to His methods. Historical reception Early church teachers, including Irenaeus (Against Heresies 5.15.2) and Augustine (Tractates on John 44), viewed the clay as emblematic of the Creator renewing His handiwork. Medieval commentators saw in the mixture of earth and spittle both baptismal imagery and the sacraments’ use of physical elements to convey grace. Summary Strong’s Greek 4427 highlights a single, vivid moment when Jesus turns what is commonly despised into an instrument of healing, proclaiming Himself both Creator and Redeemer. The incident invites worship, points to the new creation, and models humble yet powerful ministry for the church today. Forms and Transliterations πτυσματος πτύσματος ptusmatos ptysmatos ptýsmatosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |