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.
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.
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.
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.
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