[Greek] πτύω (ptuō), [Latin] spuere: to spit, to spit upon, to loathe; Mk.7:33, Mk.8:33, Jn.9:6
Christ Healing the Blind Man: painting by Gioacchino Assereto (1600-1649)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: The Greek physician Galen (129-210 A.D) hypothesized that nasal phlegm originated from the brain and drained through the pituitary gland. It was later believed that the pituitary gland produced phlegm. It was only later in the 19th (and 20th) centuries that the true function of the pituitary gland was discovered. Since ancient times, one’s spit has been used to ward off evil (or the Evil Eye). Superstition states one must spit three times to ward off this evil. The application of saliva to blind eyes was considered curative.
Old Testament: This term essentially means to spit. The act of spitting can convey one’s disdain, contempt, or scorn. There are also Jewish superstitions about spitting as a precaution against the Evil Eye (and evil). Interestingly, in Rabbinic literature, having a ‘good eye’ meant having a kind and friendly attitude toward others. If the man with the discharge spits on a clean person, the latter shall wash his garments (Lev.15:80. They abhor me, they stand aloof, they do not hesitate to spit in my face! (Job 30:10). My face I did not hide from insults and spitting (Isa.50:6). If her father had but spit in her face should she not be ashamed seven days? (Num.12:14). Then shall his brother’s wife com to him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from the feet, and spit in his face (Deut.25:9)
New Testament: This term ptuo makes reference to Jesus’ spitting in order to heal others. Jesus put His finger to the deaf man’s ears and then spat on his tongue. The man’s hearing and speech impediments were gone. Normally, spitting would be considered to be an act of contempt. Jesus placed spittle (and His hands) on another blind man’s eyes. In another situation, Jesus spat on the ground to make clay with His saliva. Jesus smeared the clay on the blind man’s eyes. Interestingly, the Greek emptuo, a variation of the term ptuo occurring in Gal. 4:14, means to show disdain (or contempt) and to spit on that person. Paul is thankful that the Galatians did not view him with disdain because of his damaged eyes with scales. Paul’s eyes were blinded by a light in the sky. Most likely, Paul’s eyes were physically damaged (or deformed) from his conversion experience upon encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus. The Galatians could have easily thought that Paul was touched by some evil force. Instead, the Galatians’ lovingly welcomed Paul. But Paul is now worried about the Galatians’ spiritual welfare.
Scripture:
“When He had said this, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes.” Jn.9:6
Jesus uses His spit to heal that person. Jesus uses His spit to make mud to be placed in his eyes.
“He took him off by Himself away from the crowd. He put His finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue.” Mk.7:33
Jesus heals the man by touching his ears and placing His spit on his tongue.
“He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes, He laid His hands on him and asked, ‘Do ye see anything?’” Mk.8:23
Jesus placed His spit in his eyes in order to give him sight.
Conclusion:
Pituitary, empty, phlegm, spew
It is probably not surprising that the ancient Greek physicians would have had an incomplete understanding of human anatomy. With a lack of understanding about the ‘Evil Eye’ and evil, it is no wonder that superstitions would develop early on in history. Why not incorporate spit in these superstitions?
The Jewish (Hebrew) culture developed their own superstitions. This also includes the ‘Evil Eye.’ I did not know that rabbinic literature also developed the notion of the ‘Good Eye.’
Perhaps in His way to reach the people, Jesus uses His own spit to perform healing. Instead of elaborate healing methods, He uses spit. Generally, one shows contempt when one spits on another person. I can imagine that Paul was thankful that the Galatians did not view him with disdain and spit (empty themselves of their saliva) at him. It would have been understandable if the Galatians had thought that Paul’s eye condition was the result of being touched by evil. In fact, Paul was wondering the same in asking if the Galatians were bewitched. Paul was concerned for the Galatians’ spiritual welfare.
Over history, there have been stories of the healing properties of spit (or saliva). In fact, science has discovered that saliva acts in the healing of wounds. Perhaps this involves blood clotting factors or other medical properties. The Latin term pituita means phlegm (mucus).
I think this post is a “spitting image” of those times when superstitions overshadow science. Even saying “ptuo!” sounds like you’re spitting!