"moist earth, mud, slime, Jn. 9:6, 11, 14, 15; clay, potter’s clay, Rom. 9:21*"
Definition and meaning
moist earth, mud, slime, Jn. 9:6, 11, 14, 15; clay, potter’s clay, Rom. 9:21*
In the original Greek the word is written: πηλός
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of pelos (G4081) across the King James Bible.
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,
He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
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Common questions
Strong's G4081 (pelos) is a Greek word that means: moist earth, mud, slime, Jn. 9:6, 11, 14, 15; clay, potter’s clay, Rom. 9:21* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word pelos (G4081) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4081 is pelos, a Greek word defined as: moist earth, mud, slime, Jn. 9:6, 11, 14, 15; clay, potter’s clay, Rom. 9:21*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
pelos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.