The Greek word emptýō, represented by G1716, is a verb meaning to spit at or on. It is formed from the words ἐν and πτύω. According to biblical usage statistics, this term appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, making it a highly specific and focused word within scripture.
In the biblical narrative, G1716 is used exclusively to describe the humiliation and suffering of Jesus Christ. It first appears in prophecies by Jesus himself, where he foretells that he will be delivered to the Gentiles to be "mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on" Luke 18:32. This prediction is then explicitly fulfilled during his trial and crucifixion, where his captors "did spit in his face, and buffeted him" Matthew 26:67 and later, Roman soldiers "did spit upon him" before smiting him with a reed Matthew 27:30.
The act of spitting is consistently paired with other forms of abuse, highlighting its context of extreme contempt. Several related words appear alongside it:
- G1702 empaízō (to jeer at, i.e. deride:--mock): This word is frequently used in the same context to describe the verbal derision Jesus faced along with being spat upon Mark 10:34.
- G2852 kolaphízō (to rap with the fist:--buffet): This describes the physical violence that accompanied the spitting, as seen when they spat in his face and buffeted him Matthew 26:67.
- G3146 mastigóō (to flog (literally or figuratively):--scourge): This severe physical punishment is prophesied alongside spitting as part of the suffering Jesus would endure Mark 10:34.
- G5180 týptō (to "thump", i.e. cudgel or pummel...:--beat, smite, strike, wound): In one account, after spitting on Jesus, his tormentors smote him on the head with a reed Mark 15:19.
The theological weight of G1716 is tied directly to the passion of Christ. Its usage underscores several key truths about His suffering:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The appearance of the word confirms Jesus's own foreknowledge of the specific indignities he would suffer, establishing the events as part of a sovereign plan Luke 18:32.
- Depth of Humiliation: Spitting is a profound act of scorn and rejection. Its inclusion in the passion accounts emphasizes the extreme contempt and degradation Jesus endured on behalf of humanity Matthew 26:67.
- An Element of Atoning Suffering: The act is listed as an integral component of the abuse Jesus suffered, alongside being mocked, scourged, and ultimately killed Mark 10:34, showing the multifaceted nature of his sacrifice.
In summary, G1716 is a precise and powerful term used exclusively to detail a specific act of abuse against Jesus. While it appears only a few times, its context is consistent and significant, always appearing alongside other words of mockery and violence like empaízō (mock) and kolaphízō (buffet). The use of emptýō serves as a stark reminder of the profound humiliation and contempt that Christ willingly endured in fulfillment of prophecy.
TRV