### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hēdýosmon**, represented by `{{G2238}}`, is the term for **mint**, a sweet-scented plant. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its significance is derived not from the plant itself, but from its use in a powerful illustration about religious priorities and hypocrisy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2238}}` is mentioned exclusively in the context of Jesus's condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees. He critiques them for their meticulous practice of tithing even the smallest garden herbs, such as **mint**. In Matthew's account, they "pay tithe of **mint** and anise and cummin," while omitting the "weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith" [[Matthew 23:23]]. A parallel passage in Luke describes them tithing "**mint** and rue and all manner of herbs" while passing over "judgment and the love of God" [[Luke 11:42]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of **mint** in these passages:
* `{{G586}}` **apodekatóō** (to tithe (as debtor or creditor)): This is the specific action the Pharisees performed with **mint**, demonstrating their scrupulous adherence to the law in minor matters ([[Matthew 23:23]], [[Luke 11:42]]).
* `{{G432}}` **ánēthon** (dill): This herb is listed alongside **mint** as one of the small items the Pharisees would tithe [[Matthew 23:23]].
* `{{G2951}}` **kýminon** (dill or fennel ("cummin")): A small spice tithed along with **mint** to illustrate the Pharisees' extreme legalism [[Matthew 23:23]].
* `{{G4076}}` **pḗganon** (rue (from its thick or fleshy leaves)): Mentioned with **mint** in Luke's account as another small garden herb subject to tithing [[Luke 11:42]].
* `{{G3001}}` **láchanon** (a vegetable): This general term for herbs is used in [[Luke 11:42]] to show the comprehensive, yet spiritually empty, nature of the Pharisees' tithing practices.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2238}}` is found entirely in its symbolic use.
* **Misplaced Priorities:** The tithing of **mint** serves as a key example of focusing on minor religious regulations while neglecting core spiritual virtues. Jesus affirms the practice but condemns its use to mask deeper failings, stating they should have practiced the latter without leaving the former "undone" [[Matthew 23:23]].
* **The Weightier Matters:** The value of tithing **mint** is starkly contrasted with the profound importance of judgment `{{G2920}}`, mercy `{{G1656}}`, faith `{{G4102}}`, and the love `{{G26}}` of God. These are presented as the true heart of the law.
* **Critique of Hypocrisy:** Ultimately, **mint** is used to expose the hypocrisy of appearing outwardly righteous by observing minor rules, while inwardly being devoid of the fundamental principles of God's character.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2238}}` is more than just a garden herb. In scripture, it functions as a powerful symbol of minor religious duties. Its use in the Gospels provides a timeless lesson on the dangers of religious hypocrisy and the critical importance of prioritizing the "weightier matters" of the law—judgment, mercy, faith, and love—over meticulous but heartless legalism.
TRV