Brief Overview of πτύω (Strong’s G4429: ptuo)

Strong’s G4429: A verb meaning “to spit,” used in the New Testament primarily in contexts of Jesus’s healing miracles. The act of spitting had both medical significance in ancient healing practices and spiritual symbolism in divine healing. Appears in accounts where Jesus uses saliva in performing miracles.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτύω represents more than just the physical act of spitting; in its New Testament context, it appears exclusively in relation to Jesus’s healing ministry. The use of saliva in healing was common in ancient medical practice, but Jesus transforms this conventional method into a vehicle for divine healing power. Early church fathers often discussed these passages when exploring the relationship between physical means and spiritual healing. Today, it continues to illustrate how Christ uses common elements as channels of His healing power.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτύω, ptuo, /ptoo-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-TOO-oh (with initial ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: Possibly onomatopoeic origin
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Related to Sanskrit “ṣṭhīv” (to spit)
• Basic physical action word

D – Defining Meanings

• To spit
• To eject saliva
• To expel from the mouth

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “To spit” – Most direct translation
• “To expectorate” – Medical/formal context
• “To emit saliva” – Technical description

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐμπτύω (emptuo) /em-ptoo-oh/ – “to spit upon” – See G1716
• πτύσμα (ptusma) /ptoos-mah/ – “spittle” – See G4427
• καταπτύω (kataptuo) /kat-ap-too-oh/ – “to spit down” – Not in NT

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, πτύω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present: πτύω (I spit)
• Aorist: ἔπτυσα (I spat)
• Future: πτύσω (I will spit)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

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

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 7:33 “And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit [πτύσας], and touched his tongue.”

Additional References:
Mark 8:23, John 9:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτύω reveals how Jesus often used common physical elements in performing extraordinary spiritual healing. This demonstrates His willingness to work through humble means while displaying divine power. It proclaims the good news that Christ meets us in our physical reality to bring spiritual transformation, showing that no element is too humble to be used in God’s healing work.

D – Did You Know?

1. Saliva was considered to have healing properties in many ancient cultures.
2. The use of spittle in healing was documented in both Greek and Roman medical texts.
3. Early Christian healing practices sometimes mimicked Jesus’s use of saliva.

Strong’s G4429: A verb meaning “to spit,” used in the New Testament primarily in contexts of Jesus’s healing miracles. The act of spitting had both medical significance in ancient healing practices and spiritual symbolism in divine healing. Appears in accounts where Jesus uses saliva in performing miracles.

Part of speech: Verb

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