In biblical literature, the term "spits" is not frequently encountered, but it holds significance in the context of cultural practices and expressions of disdain or rejection. The act of spitting is often associated with contempt, purification, or healing, depending on the context in which it appears.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, spitting was a powerful gesture that conveyed strong emotions. It could be an act of insult or rejection, as seen in various biblical narratives. Spitting on someone was considered a grave insult, reflecting deep disdain or contempt. This cultural understanding is evident in several passages throughout the Bible.

Biblical References

1. Deuteronomy 25:9 · In the context of the levirate marriage law, if a man refused to marry his brother's widow, she was to remove his sandal and spit in his face. This act symbolized public disgrace and rejection: "Then his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and declare, ‘This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother’s house.’"

2. Job 30:10 · Job, in his lament, describes the contempt he faces from others, using the imagery of spitting to illustrate his social rejection: "They abhor me and keep far from me; they do not hesitate to spit in my face."

3. Isaiah 50:6 · The Suffering Servant passage in Isaiah includes a reference to spitting as part of the humiliation endured: "I offered My back to those who beat Me, My cheeks to those who tore out My beard; I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting."

4. Matthew 26:67 · During the trial of Jesus, spitting is used as a form of mockery and abuse by His captors: "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him."

5. Mark 7:33 · In a different context, Jesus uses spitting as part of a healing miracle: "He took him aside from the crowd, privately, and put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue." Here, the act is not one of contempt but rather part of a ritualistic healing process.

Theological Implications

The act of spitting in the Bible often carries a dual significance. On one hand, it represents human scorn and rejection, as seen in the treatment of Job and Jesus. On the other hand, in the context of Jesus' healing miracles, it signifies a transformative act that defies cultural norms, demonstrating divine power and compassion.

Conclusion

While the act of spitting is generally negative in biblical narratives, its use by Jesus in healing contexts challenges cultural perceptions and underscores the redemptive power of God. The varied use of spitting in the Bible reflects the complexity of human emotions and divine intervention.7556. raqaq -- to spit
... to spit. Transliteration: raqaq Phonetic Spelling: (raw-kak') Short Definition:
spits. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to spit NASB Word Usage spits (1). ...
/hebrew/7556.htm - 5k

Shame on Account of God's Displeasure.
... When one man spits in the face of another, no one, and least of all the suffering
party, can have the slightest doubt of the esteem in which the one holds the ...
/.../dods/how to become like christ/shame on account of gods.htm

Christ Triumphant
... Man spits upon it, but believers, having angels for their companions, bow down
and worship him who ever liveth though once he was crucified. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

Martyrdom of the Saints Eusebius, Nestabus, and Zeno in the City ...
... that the cooks in the markets snatched from their stands the boiling pots foaming
with hot water and poured it over the victims, or perforated them with spits. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter ix martyrdom of the saints.htm

Of those who are Able to Profit Others by virtuous Example in ...
... But, should he be unwilling, the woman spits in his face, because whosoever cares
not to benefit others out of the gifts which he has received, the holy Church ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/chapter v of those who.htm

Under Verus, Polycarp with Others Suffered Martyrdom at Smyrna.
... inward parts of the body, both their bowels and their members, were exposed to view;
and then laid upon sea-shells and certain pointed spits, and subjected to ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xv under verus polycarp with.htm

Of the Son of the Priest.
... Then he first laid on him many stripes, then applied hot spits to his feet and hands
and back, then shut him up in his bedroom, bolted the door on the outside ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter x of the son of.htm

A Description of the Faults which Spring from the Evil of Pride.
... Instead of wholesome coughs, he spits from a dry throat: he coughs on purpose without
any need, he drums with his fingers, and twiddles them and scribbles like ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxvii a description of.htm

The First and Great Commandment
... There is the infidel, who gnashes his teeth against the Almighty; the atheist, who
spits the venom of his blasphemy against the person of his Maker. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the first and great commandment.htm

The Being of God
... quis intus scorpio? [Alas! What scorpion lurks within?] Seneca. Conscience, being
sinned against, spits fire in men's faces, fills them with shame and horror. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the being of god.htm

Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
... All the "while this madman hates him, curses him, spits upon him, and would do anything
if he could but kill his keeper and tear him to pieces in his fury. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/our miseries messengers of mercy.htm

Spits (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Spits (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 15:8 "'If he who
has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he shall ...
/s/spits.htm - 6k

Bathe (35 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:8 "'If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he
shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the ...
/b/bathe.htm - 18k

Spitted (1 Occurrence)

/s/spitted.htm - 6k

Spit (15 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:8 "'If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he
shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the ...
/s/spit.htm - 13k

Spitefully (2 Occurrences)

/s/spitefully.htm - 6k

Discharge (30 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:8 "'If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he
shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the ...
/d/discharge.htm - 18k

Evening (163 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:8 "'If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he
shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the ...
/e/evening.htm - 41k

Someone (153 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:8 "'If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he
shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the ...
/s/someone.htm - 33k

Wash (105 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 15:8 "'If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he
shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the ...
/w/wash.htm - 45k

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