πτύσμα (ptusma)

ptusma

saliva

G4427 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The noun ptusma refers simply to saliva or spittle, a common bodily fluid with no inherent spiritual weight in itself. It appears only once in the New Testament, in John 9:6, where Jesus uses it as part of his healing method for a man born blind.

This single occurrence highlights how ordinary materials can serve divine purposes. The text describes Jesus spitting on the ground, making mud with the saliva, and applying it to the man’s eyes before commanding him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The word itself is neutral; its significance arises entirely from the context of Jesus’ creative action.

While saliva might seem an unusual choice for a miracle worker, the use of ptusma underscores the tangible, physical nature of Jesus’ ministry. He did not heal from a distance with mere words but engaged directly with the material world, using something as mundane as spittle to restore sight and reveal his identity.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word ptusma simply means saliva. It appears only once in the New Testament, in John 9:6. Jesus uses it to make mud, which He applies to the eyes of a man born blind. This detail shows that God often works through ordinary, everyday things. You do not need something grand or unusual for God to use you.

Jesus could have healed with a word alone. Instead, He chose a tangible method. This reminds us that our physical lives matter to Him. Your daily routines and simple actions are not separate from your faith. They can be part of how God brings healing and restoration in the world around you.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

spittle1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

πτύσματος1×

Key Verses

John 9:6
When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man’s eyes with the mud,

This is the only occurrence of ptusma, showing Jesus using saliva to create mud for healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ptusma mean?

Ptusma is a Greek noun that means saliva or spittle. It refers to the natural fluid produced in the mouth.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in John 9:6. Jesus uses it while healing a man born blind by making mud with His saliva.

Why did Jesus use saliva for healing?

The text does not explain why Jesus chose this method. It likely highlights the physical nature of His ministry and how He used ordinary materials to reveal His power.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

John 1 verse

John 9:6

When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man’s eyes with the mud,