The Greek word ánēthon, represented by G432, refers to the herb dill, though it is translated as anise. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole appearance is within a list of common herbs used to illustrate a point about religious hypocrisy and misplaced spiritual priorities.
The single use of G432 is found in Matthew 23:23, where Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees. He points out that they diligently pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, yet have omitted the "weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith" Matthew 23:23. The specific mention of anise, a minor garden herb, serves to highlight their meticulous focus on the smallest details of religious observance while ignoring the core principles of the law.
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of this passage:
- G586 apodekatóō (to tithe (as debtor or creditor):--(give, pay, take) tithe): This is the action performed on the anise. The Pharisees' focus was on the act of tithing these small herbs, rather than on the justice and mercy the law was intended to promote Matthew 23:23.
- G2238 hēdýosmon (a sweet-scented plant, i.e. mint:--mint): This herb is listed directly alongside anise, emphasizing the small, common items that were the focus of the Pharisees' meticulous tithing Matthew 23:23.
- G2951 kýminon (dill or fennel ("cummin"):--cummin): Like mint, this herb is part of the same list, used by Jesus to underscore the trivial nature of the items being tithed in contrast to weightier spiritual matters Matthew 23:23.
- G3551 nómos (law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle):--law): The Pharisees' tithing of anise was part of their effort to follow the law, but they failed to grasp its greater purpose.
The theological weight of G432 comes entirely from its use as a teaching tool by Jesus.
- Religious Hypocrisy: The tithing of anise is used as a prime example of legalism. It demonstrates how strict adherence to minor regulations can be used to mask a heart that has neglected the foundational commandments of God's law Matthew 23:23.
- The Weightier Matters: The word provides a stark contrast to the far more significant principles of judgment G2920, mercy G1656, and faith G4102. Jesus critiques the neglect of these virtues while obsessive attention is paid to garden herbs.
- Balanced Obedience: Jesus's statement clarifies that while observing smaller aspects of the law is not wrong ("these ought ye to have done"), it must never come at the expense of the core principles of justice and compassion ("and not to leave the other undone") Matthew 23:23.
In summary, ánēthon G432 is a word whose significance is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context. It is not the herb itself that is important, but what it represents: a minor detail of religious practice that, in the case of the Pharisees, was elevated above the foundational principles of God's law. The mention of anise thus serves as a timeless lesson on the difference between outward religiosity and the true godliness found in judgment, mercy, and faith.
TRV