John 9:6
When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίησεν
made
G4160
ἐποίησεν
made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
G1909
ἐπὶ
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
the eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
the eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
17 of 19
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient medical writers sometimes mentioned saliva in healing remedies. Clay from the Pool of Siloam area was considered ceremonially clean. By making clay on the Sabbath, Jesus violated Pharisaical tradition but not biblical law, exposing the difference between God's intent and human additions.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus sometimes use means to heal and other times speak a word? What does this teach about His sovereignty?
- How do religious traditions sometimes obscure rather than reveal God's mercy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The spittle and clay mixture recalls Genesis 2:7 where God formed man from dust, suggesting Christ as Creator now re-creating. Unlike other healings, Jesus uses this method deliberately—the clay itself had no power, but obedience to Christ's word brings healing. Some scholars note clay on Sabbath was considered 'kneading' (forbidden work), making this act a deliberate challenge to pharisaical legalism that valued rules over people.