Topical Encyclopedia Spitting, as referenced in the Bible, carries various cultural and symbolic meanings, often associated with disdain, humiliation, or ceremonial cleansing. The act of spitting is mentioned in several contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting its significance in ancient Near Eastern customs and Israelite society.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, spitting is sometimes depicted as an expression of contempt or rejection. For instance, in Deuteronomy 25:9, the act of a widow spitting in the face of her brother-in-law is part of the levirate marriage law. If the brother-in-law refuses to marry her, she is to "go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and say, 'This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother’s house.'" This act symbolizes public disgrace and the breaking of familial duty. Another significant mention is found in Numbers 12:14, where God instructs Moses regarding Miriam's punishment for speaking against him: "If her father had but spit in her face, would she not be in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back." Here, spitting is equated with a severe reprimand, emphasizing the gravity of her transgression. New Testament References In the New Testament, spitting is notably present in the accounts of Jesus' passion. The Gospels describe how Jesus was spat upon by His captors as a form of mockery and abuse. In Matthew 26:67, it is recorded, "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him." Similarly, Mark 14:65 recounts, "Then some began to spit on Him; they blindfolded Him, struck Him with their fists, and said, 'Prophesy!' And the officers received Him with slaps in His face." These acts of spitting were intended to degrade and humiliate Jesus, highlighting the depth of His suffering and the fulfillment of prophetic suffering. Additionally, spitting is mentioned in the context of healing. In Mark 7:33, Jesus uses spittle in the healing of a deaf and mute man: "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." Similarly, in John 9:6, Jesus heals a blind man by making mud with His saliva: "When He had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes." These instances demonstrate the use of spittle in miraculous healings, signifying Jesus' authority and the transformative power of His touch. Cultural and Symbolic Significance In biblical times, spitting was a potent symbol of disdain and rejection, often used to express deep-seated contempt. It was considered a severe insult, reflecting the social and relational dynamics of the period. The act of spitting in someone's face was a public declaration of dishonor, as seen in the levirate marriage law and the punishment of Miriam. Conversely, the use of spittle in healing by Jesus illustrates a redemptive aspect, where what was culturally seen as unclean or degrading becomes a means of restoration and divine intervention. This duality underscores the transformative nature of Jesus' ministry, where He redefines cultural norms and brings healing and dignity to the marginalized. Overall, the biblical references to spitting reveal its complex role in expressing both human contempt and divine compassion, serving as a powerful symbol within the narrative of Scripture. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Spit.Greek 4429. ptuo -- to spit ... Word Origin a prim. word Definition to spit NASB Word Usage spat (1), spitting (2). spit. A primary verb (compare ptusso); to spit -- spit. see GREEK ptusso. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4429.htm - 6k 1716. emptuo -- to spit upon Strong's Hebrew 8611. topheth -- (act of) spitting... 8610, 8611. topheth. 8612 . (act of) spitting. Transliteration: topheth Phonetic Spelling: (to'-feth) Short Definition: spit. Word ... /hebrew/8611.htm - 6k 7536. roq -- spittle Library The Shame and Spitting But, Says Some One, "Are These Things to be Understood of the Lord ... An Awful Contrast Christ Triumphant Voluntary Suffering The Servant's Obedience As in a Race Saw I the Disputers, the Children of Strife, [Trying] ... Conclusion. Clue to the Error of the Jews. The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges Whether Christ Worked Miracles Fittingly on Men? Thesaurus Spitting (5 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Spit. 2. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Spit. Multi-Version Concordance Spitting (5 Occurrences). ... /s/spitting.htm - 7k Spittle (3 Occurrences) Smiting (76 Occurrences) Knelt (20 Occurrences) Kneeling (12 Occurrences) Tabret (3 Occurrences) Plucking (8 Occurrences) Bent (107 Occurrences) Checks (1 Occurrence) Cheeks (8 Occurrences) Resources Why did Jesus spit for some of His miracles? | GotQuestions.orgIs the Bible a fairy tale? | GotQuestions.org What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.org Spitting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Spitting (5 Occurrences)Mark 7:33 Mark 8:23 Mark 15:19 Job 30:10 Isaiah 50:6 Subtopics Spitting in the Face, As an Indignity Spitting: Jesus Used Spittle for Healing Related Terms |
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