from πήγνυμι; rue (from its thick or fleshy leaves):--rue.
Transliteration:pḗganon
Pronunciation:pay'-gan-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4076 (πήγανον, *pḗganon*) refers specifically to the plant known as "rue" (scientific name: *Ruta graveolens*). Its etymology traces back to the Greek verb πήγνυμι ( *pḗgnymi*), meaning "to fix," "to make fast," or "to solidify." This connection likely alludes to the plant's thick, firm, or fleshy leaves, which are characteristic of the species. Rue is a perennial herb recognized for its strong, bitter aroma and pungent taste. In the ancient world, it held various uses: as a culinary herb, a medicinal plant (though it can be toxic in large doses), and even in certain magical or ritualistic practices. Its semantic range is narrow, referring exclusively to this particular botanical species.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4076 (πήγανον) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 11:42]]. In this passage, Jesus issues a scathing denunciation of the Pharisees for their hypocritical religious practices: "But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others." The context reveals that rue, alongside mint and other common garden herbs, was among the items meticulously tithed by the Pharisees. This strict adherence to the letter of the Mosaic Law, even concerning the smallest and least valuable produce, serves as a stark contrast to their neglect of the "weightier matters" of the Law—namely, justice and the love of God. Jesus' critique highlights their misplaced priorities, valuing outward ritualistic precision over the essential ethical and spiritual demands of God's covenant. The mention of such a common, perhaps even lowly, herb underscores the triviality of their focus compared to the profound principles they overlooked.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate the significance of G4076, it is helpful to consider related terms and concepts within the biblical narrative. Other herbs mentioned in similar contexts include mint (often associated with G2237 or G2237 for various types of mint/dill) and the more general term for garden herbs or vegetables (G3011). The act of tithing is conveyed by G586 ( *apodekatoō*) and the tithe itself by G1181 ( *dekate*). The broader theological concepts illuminated by this passage include hypocrisy (G5273), unrighteousness or injustice (G255), and the fundamental principles of love (G26) and divine justice. The passage also implicitly references the Mosaic Law (Torah) and its proper interpretation, contrasting external observance with internal transformation.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G4076 in [[Luke 11:42]] carries profound theological weight. The plant "rue" becomes a potent symbol of misplaced religious zeal and hypocrisy. Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing of common herbs like rue, while simultaneously neglecting justice and the love of God, serves as a powerful indictment of external religiosity devoid of inner righteousness. The passage underscores a critical biblical principle articulated elsewhere (e.g., [[Matthew 9:13]], [[Hosea 6:6]]): God desires mercy and justice more than ritualistic sacrifice or scrupulous adherence to minor regulations. The "rue" represents the minutiae of religious practice that can, if prioritized incorrectly, distract from the core demands of God's character and covenant. It challenges believers across all eras to examine their own priorities, ensuring that their spiritual practices are rooted in genuine love for God and neighbor, rather than mere outward show or legalistic precision.
### Summary
G4076 (πήγανον, *pḗganon*) denotes the plant "rue," a common garden herb. Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Luke 11:42]], is highly significant. Here, Jesus uses the Pharisees' meticulous tithing of rue and other herbs as an illustration of their misplaced religious priorities. While scrupulously observing minor details of the Law, they neglected the weightier matters of justice and the love of God. The word thus serves as a powerful symbol of hypocrisy and the danger of prioritizing external ritual over the essential demands of God's character. Theologically, it emphasizes Jesus' call to prioritize the spirit of the law—justice, mercy, and love—over mere legalistic adherence, urging a focus on internal transformation rather than outward show.