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ἐκπτύω

ekptýō

G1609 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To spit out, to expel something forcibly by spitting. By extension, to reject, cast out, or dismiss with contempt or disgust. The primary sense is physical ejection, but the verb is also used figuratively to denote complete rejection or repudiation.

Semantic Range

to spit out, to expel forcibly (esp. from the mouth); to reject with disgust, to cast off, to renounce

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἐκ (out of) and the verb πτύω (to spit), forming a compound meaning 'to spit out.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἐκπτύω primarily refers to a literal act of spitting out, e.g., to expel something from the mouth. In Koine Greek, including the New Testament (e.g., Mark 8:23; Revelation 3:16), it carries a vivid metaphorical sense of rejection or discarding with strong negative feeling, likening the act to that of spitting out something unpleasant or unclean. The figurative usage, especially in Revelation 3:16, communicates a deep sense of disgust and repudiation rather than a neutral or simple dismissal. English Bible translations often render the figurative sense as 'reject,' 'spit out,' or 'vomit,' though 'reject' may not always capture the intensity or visceral imagery present in the Greek. The sense of decisive and disdainful ejection sets it apart from milder verbs for 'leave' or 'let go.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐκ and πτύω; to spit out, i.e. (figuratively) spurn:--reject.

Root Family

ἐκπτύω (ekptyō) — to spit out, to expel forcibly, to reject with disgust

Root πτύω to spit, to expel from the mouth

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1609-01 ἐξεπτύσατε exeptusate V AOR ACT IND 2P PL rejected you spat out you spat out 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1609-01 Galatians 4:14 ἐξεπτύσατε exeptusate V AOR ACT IND 2P PL rejected you spat out you spat out
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