### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ekptýō (`{{G1609}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb πτύω (ptýō - `{{G4429}}`), meaning "to spit." Therefore, its literal and primary meaning is "to spit out." This physical act implies a forceful expulsion from the mouth, often due to a taste or substance that is found to be repulsive, unpalatable, or toxic. Figuratively, ekptýō extends this visceral meaning to denote a profound and vehement rejection. It signifies to "spurn," "loathe," or "treat with contempt," much like one would expel something disgusting from their mouth. The semantic range thus encompasses both the literal act of spitting out and the metaphorical act of utterly rejecting something or someone as abhorrent or unworthy of consideration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ekptýō (`{{G1609}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's letter to the Galatians:
* **[[Galatians 4:14]]**: "and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or loathe me (οὐκ ἐξεπτύσατέ με), but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus."
* **Context:** Paul is reminding the Galatian believers of their initial warm reception of him, despite a physical ailment or weakness he experienced when first preaching the gospel to them. This "condition" (possibly an eye affliction or other illness, as inferred by some scholars) could have been unsightly or off-putting.
* **Analysis:** The phrase "οὐκ ἐξεπτύσατέ με" (ouk exeptysate me) literally means "you did not spit me out." This powerful negative construction emphasizes the depth of their acceptance. Despite Paul's potentially repulsive physical state, they did not treat him as something to be expelled in disgust. Instead, they received him with reverence, "as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus." This highlights the profound grace and spiritual discernment of the Galatians, who looked beyond outward appearances and perceived the divine messenger and his message. The use of ekptýō here underscores the severity of the rejection that *could* have occurred, making their actual reception all the more commendable. It implies that to "spit someone out" is to treat them with utter contempt and revulsion, deeming them utterly unworthy of presence or consideration.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πτύω (ptýō - `{{G4429}}`):** The root verb "to spit." This word is used literally in the Gospels, for example, when Jesus spits on the ground to make mud ([[John 9:6]]) or when people spit on Jesus in derision ([[Mark 15:19]]). ekptýō intensifies this action by adding the directional "out," emphasizing expulsion.
* **Words for Rejection/Scorn:**
* ἀποδοκιμάζω (apodokimazō - `{{G593}}`): "to reject after testing," implying a judgment of unworthiness, often in the context of building or leadership (e.g., the stone the builders rejected).
* ἀθετέω (athetéō - `{{G114}}`): "to set aside, reject, nullify," often used for rejecting laws, covenants, or God's purpose.
* καταφρονέω (kataphroneō - `{{G2706}}`): "to despise, look down upon, scorn." This word conveys contempt but lacks the physical, visceral expulsion implied by ekptýō.
* **Words for Acceptance/Reception:**
* δέχομαι (dechomai - `{{G1209}}`): "to receive, accept, welcome." This is the direct antonym to ekptýō in [[Galatians 4:14]], where the Galatians "received" Paul rather than "spitting him out."
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ekptýō (`{{G1609}}`) in the New Testament carries significant theological weight.
1. **The Nature of Profound Rejection:** It vividly portrays a type of rejection rooted in deep disgust, revulsion, or utter contempt. To "spit out" something or someone is to declare them utterly vile and unwanted, an extreme act of dismissal. This word helps us understand the severity of human prejudice and the capacity for treating others as utterly worthless.
2. **Grace and True Reception:** In [[Galatians 4:14]], the word highlights the extraordinary grace shown by the Galatians. Despite Paul's physical infirmity, which could have provoked a reaction of disgust or scorn from others, they received him as a divine messenger. This demonstrates that true spiritual reception looks beyond outward appearances, physical ailments, or social stigma to recognize God's presence and message. It underscores the importance of discerning the Spirit rather than being swayed by superficialities.
3. **Implications for Ministry:** The passage serves as a powerful reminder for both ministers and congregations. Ministers may face physical challenges or perceived weaknesses that could lead others to "spit them out" or reject their message. For congregations, it is a call to humility and discernment, to receive God's messengers and His word regardless of their outward packaging, remembering that God often uses the weak and unimpressive to accomplish His purposes ([[1 Corinthians 1:27-29]]).
4. **Echoes of Christ's Suffering:** While ekptýō is not used of Christ's rejection, the concept of being spat upon (e.g., [[Matthew 26:67]], [[Mark 14:65]]) was a profound act of degradation and contempt inflicted upon Him. ekptýō captures the inner revulsion and utter rejection that fueled such outward acts of scorn against the Son of God.
### Summary
The Greek word ekptýō (`{{G1609}}`), literally meaning "to spit out," is a powerful term conveying deep contempt and utter rejection. Derived from ἐκ (out) and πτύω (to spit - `{{G4429}}`), it describes the forceful expulsion of something deemed repulsive or worthless. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Galatians 4:14]] is highly illustrative: Paul praises the Galatians for not "spitting him out" or treating him with scorn despite his physical infirmity. This highlights their profound grace and spiritual discernment in receiving God's messenger. Theologically, ekptýō illuminates the severity of human prejudice and revulsion, while simultaneously underscoring the beauty of gracious acceptance that looks beyond superficial flaws to embrace the divine message and messenger. It serves as a potent reminder of the call to receive one another with Christ-like love, even when faced with perceived weaknesses or undesirable traits.
TRV