Brief Overview of πηλός (Strong’s G4081: pēlos)

Strong’s G4081: A noun meaning “clay” or “mud.” In biblical contexts, particularly significant in John’s Gospel where Jesus uses it to heal a blind man, symbolizing both creation imagery and divine healing power. Represents God’s ability to form, transform, and heal.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πηλός (pēlos) refers to clay or mud, carrying rich theological significance. Its primary meaning describes moistened earth, but in the New Testament it appears most prominently in Jesus’s healing of the blind man, echoing creation imagery where God formed man from dust. Early church writers developed this connection between creation and re-creation through Christ’s healing work. Today, it continues to symbolize God’s creative and transformative power in both physical and spiritual renewal.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πηλός, pēlos, pay-los’
• Detailed pronunciation: pay (as in “pay”) + los (as in “loss”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:
From Proto-Indo-European *pel- meaning “mud, marsh”

D – Defining Meanings

• Clay
• Mud
• Moistened earth
• Potter’s material
• Formed soil

Translation Options:

1. Clay – emphasizes formable material
2. Mud – describes natural state
3. Moistened earth – most precise description

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χοῦς (chous) [khoos] – dust, more general
• γῆ (gē) [gay] – earth, soil
• ὕλη (hylē) [hoo’-lay] – material, matter

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Second Declension

Example forms:
Nominative singular: πηλός
Genitive singular: πηλοῦ
Dative plural: πηλοῖς

Cross-references:

• Adjective: πήλινος (made of clay)
• Verb: πηλόω (to make muddy)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in healing contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to creation imagery. LSJ documents various practical uses. Vine’s connects it to divine creative power. Strong’s highlights its basic meaning. Moulton and Milligan note its use in pottery contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“When he had said these things, he spat on the ground and made clay [πηλός] with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the clay.” (John 9:6)

Additional References:
John 9:11
John 9:14
Romans 9:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πηλός powerfully illustrates God’s creative and healing power. The good news of King Jesus includes His ability to take the common elements of creation and use them for transformation and healing. This word reminds us that God continues to work through humble means to accomplish His miraculous purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient medical texts mentioned clay’s healing properties.
2. Early Christians saw baptismal symbolism in the clay washing.
3. The word influenced pottery terminology in several languages.

Strong’s G4081: A noun denoting clay or mud, used significantly in John’s Gospel for Jesus’s healing miracle. Carries creation imagery and symbolizes divine power to form, transform, and heal through humble means.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #clay #healing #creation #transformation #miracle #Jesus #John #blindness #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #divine power​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​