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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Spat</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/spat.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/26-67.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/spat.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Spat</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/spartans.htm" title="Spartans">◄</a> Spat <a href="/topical/s/spattered.htm" title="Spattered">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical contexts, the act of spitting, or "spat," carries significant cultural and symbolic meanings. Spitting is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, often associated with disdain, humiliation, or ritual purification. Understanding the cultural and historical context of spitting in biblical times can provide deeper insight into its significance in Scripture.<br><br><b>Old Testament References</b><br><br>In the Old Testament, spitting is sometimes used as a gesture of contempt or rejection. For example, in <a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Deuteronomy 25:9</a>, the act of a widow spitting in the face of her brother-in-law is part of the ceremony of "halitzah," which releases him from the obligation to marry her after her husband's death. This act signifies public disgrace for the man who refuses to fulfill his duty: "Then his brother's widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and declare, 'This is what is done to the man who will not build up his brother's house.'"<br><br>Spitting is also mentioned in the context of ritual impurity. In <a href="/leviticus/15-8.htm">Leviticus 15:8</a>, if a person with a discharge spits on someone who is clean, the latter must wash his clothes and bathe in water, remaining unclean until evening. This reflects the broader Levitical laws concerning purity and the transmission of uncleanness.<br><br><b>New Testament References</b><br><br>In the New Testament, spitting is notably present in the accounts of Jesus' passion. The act of spitting on Jesus is recorded as a form of mockery and abuse by the Roman soldiers and others who sought to humiliate Him. In <a href="/matthew/26-67.htm">Matthew 26:67</a>, it is written: "Then they spat in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him." This act of spitting was a profound insult, emphasizing the rejection and scorn Jesus faced during His trial and crucifixion.<br><br>Conversely, spitting is also seen in the context of healing. In <a href="/mark/7-33.htm">Mark 7:33 and 8</a>:23, Jesus uses spittle as part of His healing miracles. In <a href="/mark/7-33.htm">Mark 7:33</a>, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man: "He took him aside from the crowd, privately, and put His fingers into the man's ears. Then He spat and touched the man's tongue." Similarly, in <a href="/mark/8-23.htm">Mark 8:23</a>, Jesus heals a blind man: "He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spat on the man's eyes and placed His hands on him." These instances demonstrate Jesus' authority over physical ailments and His willingness to use unconventional means to restore health and wholeness.<br><br><b>Cultural and Symbolic Significance</b><br><br>In biblical times, spitting was a powerful non-verbal communication tool. It could convey disdain, as seen in the acts of mockery against Jesus, or serve as a means of purification and healing, as demonstrated in Jesus' miracles. The dual nature of spitting—both as an act of contempt and a medium for healing—highlights the complex cultural and symbolic layers present in biblical narratives.<br><br>Understanding the use of spitting in the Bible requires an appreciation of the cultural norms and religious practices of the time. It serves as a reminder of the profound ways in which physical actions can carry deep spiritual and social meanings within the biblical text.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>v.</I>) imp. of Spit.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) A young oyster or other bivalve mollusk, both before and after it first becomes adherent, or such young, collectively.<p>3. (<I>v. i. & t.</I>) To emit spawn; to emit, as spawn.<p>4. (<I>n.</I>) A light blow with something flat.<p>5. (<I>n.</I>) Hence, a petty combat, esp. a verbal one; a little quarrel, dispute, or dissension.<p>6. (<I>v. i.</I>) To dispute.<p>7. (<I>v. t.</I>) To slap, as with the open hand; to clap together; as the hands.<p>8. (<I>p. p.</I>) of Spit<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4429.htm"><span class="l">4429. ptuo -- to spit</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Word Origin a prim. word Definition to spit NASB Word Usage <b>spat</b> (1), spitting<br> (2). spit. A primary verb (compare ptusso); to spit -- spit. see GREEK ptusso. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4429.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/1716.htm"><span class="l">1716. emptuo -- to spit upon</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Word Origin from en and ptuo Definition to spit upon NASB Word Usage <b>spat</b> (2), spit<br> (3), spitting (1). spit. From en and ptuo; to spit at or on -- spit (upon). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1716.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/4684.htm"><span class="l">4684. spatalao -- to live riotously</span></a> <br><b>...</b> to live riotously. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: spatalao Phonetic Spelling:<br> (<b>spat</b>-al-ah'-o) Short Definition: I live extravagantly Definition: I live <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4684.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_st_john_and_hebrews/homily_lvii_john_ix_6.htm"><span class="l">John ix. 6, 7</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Homily LVII. John ix. 6, 7. John ix.6, 7 "When Jesus had thus spoken, He <b>spat</b> on<br> the <b>...</b> "Having said these words," It saith,"He <b>spat</b> on the ground." What words? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lvii john ix 6.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edersheim/the_life_and_times_of_jesus_the_messiah/chapter_xxxiv_a_group_of.htm"><span class="l">A Group of Miracles among a Semi-Heathen Population</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Quite peculiar it is, when the Lord took him aside from the multitude; and again<br> that, in healing him, He <b>spat</b>,' applying it directly to the diseased organ. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxiv a group of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/the_four-fold_gospel/lxix_the_deaf_stammerer_healed.htm"><span class="l">The Deaf Stammerer Healed and Four Thousand Fed.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> they beseech him to put his hand upon him.33 And he took him aside from the multitude<br> privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he <b>spat</b>, and touched <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxix the deaf stammerer healed.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_42_1896/an_awful_contrast.htm"><span class="l">An Awful Contrast</span></a> <br><b>...</b> My meditation also turns towards the Well-beloved into whose face they <b>spat</b>; and<br> my thought concerning him is this, how deep was the humiliation he had to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/an awful contrast.htm</font><p><a href="/library/jerome/the_principal_works_of_st_jerome/letter_l_to_domnio.htm"><span class="l">Letter L. To Domnio.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> How often has he <b>spat</b> upon me, and then departed <b>spat</b> upon! But these<br> are vulgar methods, and any of my followers can use them. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter l to domnio.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_john/tractate_xliv_john_chapter_ix.htm"><span class="l">John Chapter ix</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 2. The Lord came: what did He do? He set forth a great mystery. "He <b>spat</b> on the<br> ground," He made clay of His spittle; for the Word was made flesh. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xliv john chapter ix.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_25_1879/the_shame_and_spitting.htm"><span class="l">The Shame and Spitting</span></a> <br><b>...</b> descent from the omnipotence which veils the heavens with clouds to the gracious<br> condescension which does not veil its own face, but permits it to be <b>spat</b> upon <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/the shame and spitting.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wesley/stories_of_boys_and_girls_who_loved_the_saviour/little_sarah_howley.htm"><span class="l">Little Sarah Howley.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 12. When she was about fourteen years old, she broke a vein in her lungs, (as is<br> supposed,) and often <b>spat</b> blood, yet did a little recover. 13. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../wesley/stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/little sarah howley.htm</font><p><a href="/library/unknown/the_gospel_of_peter/the_gospel_according_to_peter.htm"><span class="l">The Gospel According to Peter.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And others stood and <b>spat</b> in his eyes, and others smote his cheeks: others pricked<br> him with a reed; and some scourged him, saying, With this honour let us <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../unknown/the gospel of peter/the gospel according to peter.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tertullian/ad_martyras/chapter_iv_from_the_saying.htm"><span class="l">From the Saying of Our Lord we Know that the Flesh is Weak...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> to torture by the tyrant for having taken part in a conspiracy, still making no<br> betrayal of her confederates, she at last bit off her tongue and <b>spat</b> it in the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad martyras/chapter iv from the saying.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/spat.htm"><span class="l"><b>Spat</b> (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Spat</b> (7 Occurrences). Matthew 26:67 Then they <b>spat</b> in His face, and struck<br> Him--some with the fist, some with the open hand-- (WEY NAS RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/spat.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/struck.htm"><span class="l">Struck (373 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 26:67 Then they <b>spat</b> in His face,<br> and struck Him--some with the fist, some with the open hand-- (WEY DBY RSV NIV) <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/struck.htm - 37k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/saliva.htm"><span class="l">Saliva (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Saliva (3 Occurrences). Mark 7:33 He took him aside from the multitude, privately,<br> and put his fingers into his ears, and he <b>spat</b>, and touched his tongue. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/saliva.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/staff.htm"><span class="l">Staff (91 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> of the Jews!" (See NIV). Matthew 27:30 They <b>spat</b> on him, and took the reed<br> and struck him on the head. (See NIV). Mark 6:8 He commanded <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/staff.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/taking.htm"><span class="l">Taking (445 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> See RSV). Matthew 27:30 Then they <b>spat</b> upon Him, and taking the cane they<br> repeatedly struck Him on the head with it. (WEY). Matthew <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/taking.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/reed.htm"><span class="l">Reed (41 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> NAS RSV). Matthew 27:30 They <b>spat</b> on him, and took the reed and struck him<br> on the head. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Matthew <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/reed.htm - 29k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/homage.htm"><span class="l">Homage (51 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> DBY). Mark 15:19 They struck his head with a reed, and <b>spat</b> on him, and bowing<br> their knees, did homage to him. (WEB WEY DBY RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/homage.htm - 21k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/knee.htm"><span class="l">Knee (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mark 15:19 They struck his head with a reed, and <b>spat</b> on him, and bowing their knees,<br> did homage to him. (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/knee.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/knees.htm"><span class="l">Knees (47 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (BBE NIV). Mark 15:19 They struck his head with a reed, and <b>spat</b> on him, and bowing<br> their knees, did homage to him. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/knees.htm - 23k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kneading.htm"><span class="l">Kneading (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> John 9:6 After thus speaking, He <b>spat</b> on the ground, and then, kneading the dust<br> and spittle into clay, He smeared the clay over the man's eyes and said to him <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kneading.htm - 8k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/spat.htm">Spat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Spat (7 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/26-67.htm">Matthew 26:67</a></span><br />Then they <span class="boldtext">spat</span> in His face, and struck Him--some with the fist, some with the open hand--<br /><span class="source">(WEY NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/27-30.htm">Matthew 27:30</a></span><br />They <span class="boldtext">spat</span> on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head.<br /><span class="source">(WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/7-33.htm">Mark 7:33</a></span><br />He took him aside from the multitude, privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he <span class="boldtext">spat</span>, and touched his tongue.<br /><span class="source">(WEB WEY ASV RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/15-19.htm">Mark 15:19</a></span><br />They struck his head with a reed, and <span class="boldtext">spat</span> on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him.<br /><span class="source">(WEB ASV DBY RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/john/9-6.htm">John 9:6</a></span><br />When he had said this, he <span class="boldtext">spat</span> on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man's eyes with the mud,<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/12-14.htm">Numbers 12:14</a></span><br />And Jehovah said to Moses, But had her father anyways <span class="boldtext">spat</span> in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? She shall be shut outside the camp seven days, and afterwards she shall be received in again.<br /><span class="source">(DBY YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Deuteronomy 25:9</a></span><br />Then hath his brother's wife drawn nigh unto him, before the eyes of the elders, and drawn his shoe from off his foot, and <span class="boldtext">spat</span> in his face, and answered and said, Thus it is done to the man who doth not build up the house of his brother;<br /><span class="source">(YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/spat.htm">Spat</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/spat.htm">Spat (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/speak.htm">Speak (855 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/spartans.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Spartans"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Spartans" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/spattered.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Spattered"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Spattered" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>