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.
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.
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.
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.
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