Brief Overview of πτύσμα (Strong’s G4427: ptusma)

Strong’s G4427: A neuter noun meaning “spittle” or “saliva,” derived from πτύω (to spit). Used in John’s Gospel in the account of Jesus healing a blind man, where the spittle becomes an instrument of divine healing, reflecting ancient medical and miraculous healing practices.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτύσμα carries significance beyond its basic meaning of “spittle.” In its New Testament context, it appears in one of Jesus’s most notable healing miracles, where He uses saliva mixed with clay to heal a man born blind. This usage reflects both ancient medical practices, where saliva was believed to have healing properties, and divine healing power. Early church fathers often discussed this term when exploring the relationship between physical means and divine healing. Today, it reminds us of Christ’s use of physical elements in performing spiritual work, and how He often employs humble means for miraculous purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτύσμα, ptusma, /ptoos-mah/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-TOOS-mah (with initial ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• Root: πτύω (ptuo) – “to spit”
• Suffix: -μα (-ma) – forms neuter nouns indicating result of action
• Indicates the product of the action of spitting

D – Defining Meanings

• Spittle
• Saliva
• That which is spit out

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Spittle” – Traditional translation
• “Saliva” – Modern medical term
• “Spit” – Colloquial but clear

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πτύω (ptuo) /ptoo-oh/ – “to spit” – See G4429
• ἔμπτυσμα (emptusma) /emp-toos-mah/ – “spitting” – See G1716
• σίελος (sielos) /see-el-os/ – “saliva” – Not in NT

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter noun of the third declension, πτύσμα exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: τὸ πτύσμα (the spittle)
• Genitive: τοῦ πτύσματος (of the spittle)
• Dative: τῷ πτύσματι (with/by the spittle)
• Accusative: τὸ πτύσμα (the spittle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in the healing narrative. Thayer’s notes its connection to ancient healing practices. LSJ documents its use in medical texts. Vine’s connects it to divine healing power. Strong’s emphasizes its derivation from πτύω. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from medical papyri. LEH discusses its appearance in healing contexts in Greek literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 9:6 “When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle [πτύσματος], and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτύσμα reminds us that Jesus often uses humble, physical means to accomplish spiritual purposes. The use of spittle in healing demonstrates His willingness to engage with our physical nature while performing spiritual transformation. This proclaims the good news that Christ works through both spiritual and physical means to bring healing and restoration to our whole being.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient medical texts often prescribed saliva as a treatment for eye conditions.
2. Early Christian healing practices sometimes mimicked Jesus’s use of physical elements.
3. The word influenced early Christian discussions about sacramental theology.

Strong’s G4427: A neuter noun meaning “spittle” or “saliva,” derived from πτύω (to spit). Used in John’s Gospel in the account of Jesus healing a blind man, where the spittle becomes an instrument of divine healing, reflecting ancient medical and miraculous healing practices.

Part of speech: Noun (neuter)

Tags: healing, miracles, physical elements, divine power, medical terms, Jesus’s miracles, bodily substances, healing methods, ancient medicine, miracle accounts, John’s Gospel, physical healing