Anise
Summary
A plant mentioned by Jesus in His rebuke of the Pharisees, more accurately identified as dill, which was tithed despite its minor value.
☩Identification
The Greek word anethon, translated "anise" in older English versions, more accurately refers to dill (Anethum graveolens), not the true anise plant (Pimpinella anisum). Dill is an umbelliferous plant whose seeds, leaves, and stems were all considered subject to tithe according to rabbinic teaching. The seeds possess aromatic and carminative properties and were used both medicinally and as a condiment.
☩Jesus' Teaching
Jesus cited the Pharisees' meticulous tithing of minor herbs like dill, mint, and cummin as an example of their misplaced priorities. While their attention to detail in tithing even garden herbs was in accord with the Law's requirement to tithe all produce of the land, they were omitting the "weightier matters of the law"—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus did not condemn their careful tithing but their neglect of more important moral duties.
Related Verses1 mention
Matthew· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Anise," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Anise," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.George Morrish, "Anise," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).