Introduction

In Biblical studies, the study of individual Greek words can reveal deeper insights into the cultural and historical contexts of the Scriptures. One such word is ἐμπτύω (emptyō), a verb that carries significant weight due to its usage in key New Testament passages. This word, meaning “to spit upon,” is not only literal but also highly symbolic, reflecting acts of scorn, rejection, and humiliation. Understanding ἐμπτύω is crucial for interpreting scenes in the New Testament where Jesus faces intense mockery and derision, shedding light on the depth of His suffering and the social dynamics of the time.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμπτύω (emptyō) [em-PTU-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐν (en, “in” or “on”) combined with πτύω (ptyō, “to spit”), emphasizing the act of spitting upon someone or something.
• Part of Speech: Verb (active voice), used primarily in the aorist tense in the New Testament.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Spit Upon: The primary and literal meaning of ἐμπτύω is to spit upon someone, an action that conveys deep contempt and insult.
• To Show Contempt: By extension, the word signifies acts of scorn, derision, and humiliation, particularly in social or judicial contexts.

Similar Words:

• πτύω (ptyō) [PTU-oh]: A related word that means simply “to spit.” While πτύω refers to the general act of spitting, ἐμπτύω specifically denotes spitting upon someone or something as an act of insult.
• ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō) [ex-ou-THE-ne-oh]: This word means “to despise” or “to treat with contempt.” While not a direct synonym, it captures the broader attitude of disdain that spitting upon someone would represent.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a verb, ἐμπτύω follows regular conjugation patterns for Greek verbs. It appears in the New Testament primarily in the aorist tense, indicating a specific action of spitting that took place in the past.
• Linguistic Features: The compound nature of ἐμπτύω emphasizes the directionality of the action—spitting upon someone, which intensifies the insult associated with the act.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG emphasizes the literal and figurative uses of ἐμπτύω, noting its frequent association with acts of public humiliation and shame. The lexicon highlights its use in the passion narratives of the Gospels, where it underscores the intense scorn directed at Jesus.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon focuses on the verb’s role in expressing derision and contempt. It is noted particularly for its use in the context of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, where spitting was a common form of mockery and rejection.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary elaborates on ἐμπτύω as a symbol of ultimate disgrace, often used in settings of judicial condemnation or social scorn. The lexicon draws attention to its Old Testament parallels, where similar actions were used to signify rejection and dishonor.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the word’s usage in classical Greek literature, noting its appearance in scenes of courtroom drama or public shaming, where spitting was employed as a tool of verbal assault and insult.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance categorizes ἐμπτύω simply as “to spit upon,” with specific references to its usage in the New Testament. The lexicon emphasizes the context of mockery and disdain, particularly in the scenes leading up to the crucifixion.

Scripture References

• Matthew 26:67: “Then they spit in his face (ἐμπτύω) and struck him, and some slapped him.”
• Mark 15:19: “And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him (ἐμπτύω) and kneeling down in homage to him.”
• Luke 18:32: “For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon (ἐμπτύω).”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμπτύω (G1716: emptyō)

The Greek word ἐμπτύω (emptyō) carries a strong connotation of insult, scorn, and public humiliation, literally meaning “to spit upon.” In the New Testament, it is used to describe acts of derision against Jesus during His trial and crucifixion, highlighting the depth of the mockery He endured. This word is not only significant for understanding the narrative of Christ’s passion but also for grasping the broader social and cultural practices of the ancient world, where spitting was a powerful symbol of contempt.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greece, spitting on someone was one of the ultimate signs of disrespect and could be a form of public censure. It was often used in legal and social contexts to demonstrate utter rejection, a practice that persisted into Roman times and is vividly depicted in the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ suffering.