Topical Encyclopedia Mint is a fragrant herb mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of tithing and Pharisaic practices. It is part of the Lamiaceae family, which includes other aromatic herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme. Known for its refreshing scent and culinary uses, mint was a common plant in ancient Israel and surrounding regions.Biblical References The most notable reference to mint in the Bible is found in the New Testament, where Jesus addresses the practices of the Pharisees. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing of herbs while neglecting more important matters of the law. He states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former" (Matthew 23:23). A parallel passage is found in Luke 11:42, where Jesus similarly rebukes the Pharisees for their focus on minor ritualistic details at the expense of justice and the love of God. Cultural and Religious Significance In ancient Jewish culture, mint was valued not only for its culinary and medicinal properties but also as a commodity subject to tithing. The Law of Moses required the Israelites to give a tenth of their produce to support the Levitical priesthood and the poor (Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22-29). The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the law, extended this practice to include even the smallest garden herbs, such as mint. Jesus' mention of mint in His rebuke of the Pharisees highlights the tension between outward religious observance and the inward spiritual condition. The Pharisees' focus on tithing mint and other herbs exemplified their tendency to emphasize external compliance with the law while neglecting its weightier ethical demands. This critique underscores the biblical principle that true righteousness involves both adherence to God's commandments and the cultivation of virtues such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Symbolism and Lessons Mint, as referenced in the Bible, serves as a symbol of the potential pitfalls of legalism and the importance of prioritizing the heart of God's law. The meticulous tithing of mint by the Pharisees illustrates how religious practices can become hollow when divorced from genuine love and compassion. Jesus' teaching encourages believers to maintain a balanced approach to faith, where both the letter and the spirit of the law are honored. In summary, mint in the biblical context is more than just an herb; it represents the broader theme of authentic worship and the call to live out one's faith with integrity and love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 23:23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 39, "Now do Ye Pharisees ... Interpretation of the Expression in I Tim. Ii. 4:00 "Who Will have ... Woes on the Pharisees I Therefore Bent My Steps Toward the Hut which I had Beheld from a ... Hypocrisy To Give Alms Aright, we Should Begin with Ourselves, and have Pity ... Parable of the Pharisee and Publican. And when Jesus Entered the Temple, they Brought unto Him Blind And ... Limits of God's Plan for Human Salvation Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign his Censure ... Resources What is gall in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about applied kinesiology? | GotQuestions.org What is Epiphany / Three Kings' Day and should Christians celebrate it? | GotQuestions.org Herbs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Herbs were Sometimes Used Instead of Animal Food by Weak Saints Herbs: (Dew On) of Grace Given to Saints Herbs: Bitter, Used at Passover Herbs: Destroyed by Hail and Lightning Herbs: Destroyed by Tithable Among the Jews Herbs: Each Kind of, Contains Its own Seed Herbs: Mode of Watering, Alluded To Herbs: Poisonous, not Fit for Man's Use Related Terms |
    |