Topical Bible: Herbs: Hyssop

◄ Herbs: Hyssop ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Hyssop is a plant mentioned frequently in the Bible, known for its ceremonial and symbolic significance. It is often associated with purification and cleansing rituals, reflecting its importance in the religious practices of ancient Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 12:22 · During the first Passover, the Israelites were instructed to use a bunch of hyssop to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts and lintels of their homes: "Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it in the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe." This act was a sign for the Lord to pass over their homes during the final plague in Egypt, symbolizing protection and deliverance.

2. Leviticus 14:4-7 · Hyssop is used in the purification rites for a person healed of a skin disease. The priest is to take two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. One bird is killed over fresh water in a clay pot, and the living bird, along with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped in the blood of the slain bird. The person is then sprinkled seven times, signifying cleansing and restoration.

3. Numbers 19:6, 18 · In the preparation of the water of purification, hyssop is used along with cedar wood and scarlet yarn. This mixture is essential for the ritual cleansing of those who have come into contact with a dead body, emphasizing the plant's role in purification.

4. Psalm 51:7 · King David, in his plea for forgiveness, invokes the purifying power of hyssop: "Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Here, hyssop symbolizes spiritual cleansing and renewal.

5. John 19:29 · In the New Testament, hyssop appears at the crucifixion of Jesus. A sponge soaked in sour wine is lifted to Jesus' lips on a stalk of hyssop: "A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth." This act fulfills the Old Testament symbolism of hyssop in the context of sacrifice and redemption.

Symbolism and Significance:

Hyssop's frequent use in purification rituals underscores its symbolic association with cleansing and sanctification. In the biblical context, it represents the removal of sin and impurity, aligning with the broader theme of redemption and holiness. The plant's role in the Passover and its connection to the crucifixion of Christ further highlight its significance in the narrative of salvation.

Botanical Considerations:

While the exact species of hyssop mentioned in the Bible is debated, it is generally thought to be a small, aromatic plant with cleansing properties. Some scholars suggest it may refer to a variety of herbs, including marjoram or thyme, which were common in the region and used for their antiseptic qualities.

In summary, hyssop is a multifaceted symbol in the Bible, representing purification, protection, and the transformative power of God's grace. Its presence in key biblical events underscores its enduring spiritual significance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 12:22
And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 4:33
And he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall: he spoke also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Meditation vi. The Last Pasch.
... flowed into a basin, and the attendants brought a branch of hyssop, which Jesus ... each
other, and another plate with small bundles of bitter herbs, which had the ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation vi the last pasch.htm

The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy
... night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall ... method
of disposing of the blood, which was sprinkled with hyssop"a peculiarly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the passover an expiation and.htm

The Famine which Oppressed Them.
... night as far as the outposts of the Romans to collect wild herbs and grass ... was Eleazer,
of the village of Bathezor [641] (which signifies the house of hyssop). ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi the famine which oppressed.htm

The Rod that Troubled Egypt.
... in the fields, and destroyed the grain that was grown, and broke the trees and herbs. ...
Then, at evening, he was to kill it, and dip a branch of hyssop in its ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xi the rod that.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... will cry out upon thee, the darkened Sun; among the things upon earth, the Wine
mingled with myrrh; among reeds, the Reed; among herbs, the Hyssop; among the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean, Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... your purifications of the law, your many washings with water and hyssop; it is ... seeking
water in a wilderness; thou leavest the garden where all herbs grow, and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x wash you make.htm

Christ Our Passover
... "Come here, my children, wife and all, and see what I am about to do." He takes
the hyssop in his hands ... And even with the bitter herbs, is he not sweet food? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ our passover.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... the sons of the prophets to dinner, he only gave them field-herbs to eat ... all plants
"from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... his hands as the evening sacrifice (Psa.141:2); he will be purged with hyssop that
he ... Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... mother may have conceived you in sin, he will purge you with hyssop and you ... drinketh
in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm