### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ptýō**, represented by `{{G4429}}`, is a primary verb defined as **to spit**. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, exclusively within the context of Jesus performing miracles of healing. Its rarity highlights the significance of the specific moments in which this physical act occurs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In each of its occurrences, `{{G4429}}` is an action taken by Jesus to restore someone. In one account, He **spit** on a blind man's eyes and put his hands on him before the man's sight was restored [[Mark 8:23]]. In another healing, Jesus took a man aside from the crowd, put his fingers in the man's ears, **spit**, and touched his tongue [[Mark 7:33]]. Finally, Jesus **spat** on the ground, made clay from the spittle, and anointed a blind man's eyes with the mixture [[John 9:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of this action:
* `{{G4427}}` **ptýsma** (spittle): This noun, derived from `ptýō`, refers to the saliva itself. It is the substance Jesus used to **make** (`{{G4160}} poiéō`) clay for a blind man's healing [[John 9:6]].
* `{{G680}}` **háptomai** (to touch): This action is closely linked to spitting. After Jesus **spit** in the healing of a deaf man, he **touched** the man's tongue [[Mark 7:33]].
* `{{G2025}}` **epichríō** (to smear over): This word describes the application of the healing substance. After making clay with spittle, Jesus **anointed** the eyes of the blind man with it [[John 9:6]].
* `{{G5495}}` **cheír** (hand): The hand is often the instrument of healing used alongside spitting. Jesus took a blind man by the **hand** to lead him out of town and later put his **hands** upon him [[Mark 8:23]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4429}}` lies in its demonstration of Jesus's physical and personal approach to ministry.
* **Tangible Elements in Healing:** The act shows Jesus using physical means, including his own saliva, as a tangible part of a miracle. This is seen when he **spit** on the man's eyes [[Mark 8:23]] and when he used the spittle to make clay [[John 9:6]].
* **Intimate Interaction:** Jesus performed this act in a personal setting, taking a man aside from the multitude [[Mark 7:33]] or leading him out of the town [[Mark 8:23]]. This emphasizes a direct and compassionate interaction rather than a distant display of power.
* **Creative Act of Restoration:** The use of spittle to **make** (`{{G4160}} poiéō`) clay points to a creative and restorative act. Jesus combines an element from Himself with the earth to bring about wholeness [[John 9:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4429}}` is a specific and purposeful verb. While appearing infrequently, its use in the Gospels is profound, illustrating that Jesus's healing power was not abstract. The act of spitting was part of a hands-on, tangible process that underscored His willingness to engage with human suffering in a deeply personal and creative manner to restore sight and hearing.
TRV