SPIT, the act of expectorating sputum and the expectorant itself are described by a number of Heb. and Gr. terms. The word רָקַק, H8394, implies a purposeful action with an added notion of ritual defilement (Lev 15:8; Num 12:14; Deut 25:9). A nominal form of this term רֹק, H8371, infers also defilement (Job 30:10; Isa 50:6), but in Job 7:19 it may be a colloquialism for “an instant.” As with most Sem. languages, Heb. terms for body functions are often onomatopoeic. The term רִיר֮, H8202, appears as a verb (Lev 15:3) and as a noun meaning sputum (1 Sam 21:14), and also meaning a viscous biotic fluid (Job 6:6).

In the NT, two basic meanings are evidenced: those of defilement in the accounts of the Passion (Matt 26:67; Mark 10:34; Luke 18:32) where ἐμπτύω, G1870, is used in the LXX for the OT passages above. Also, spitting is mentioned in several of the miracle accounts (Mark 7:33; 8:23; John 9:6). See Healing, Health.