### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼêzôwb**, represented by `{{H231}}`, is defined as **hyssop**. Its derivation is noted as probably foreign. This term appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating its specific and significant role in scriptural accounts, particularly in rituals of purification and symbolic acts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narrative, `{{H231}}` is consistently portrayed as an instrument for applying liquids in sacred ceremonies. During the first Passover, a **bunch** `{{H92}}` of **hyssop** was used to **dip** `{{H2881}}` into **blood** `{{H1818}}` and apply it to the **lintel** `{{H4947}}` and **side posts** `{{H4201}}` of houses for protection [[Exodus 12:22]]. It is also a key component in purification rites, such as the cleansing of a person or a **house** `{{H1004}}` where it is used with **cedar** `{{H730}}` **wood** `{{H6086}}` and **scarlet** `{{H8144}}` to **sprinkle** `{{H5137}}` blood or **water** `{{H4325}}` ([[Leviticus 14:4-6]], [[Leviticus 14:49-52]]). In another context, it is used to describe the breadth of Solomon's wisdom, which included knowledge of plants from the great **cedar tree** `{{H730}}` to the humble **hyssop** that grows out of a **wall** `{{H7023}}` [[1 Kings 4:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the function and context of **hyssop**:
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): **Hyssop** is frequently the instrument used to apply **blood**, which is central to both the Passover protection [[Exodus 12:22]] and various cleansing ceremonies ([[Leviticus 14:6]], [[Leviticus 14:51-52]]).
* `{{H730}}` **ʼerez** (cedar tree): **Cedar** is almost always mentioned alongside **hyssop** and **scarlet** `{{H8144}}` in purification rituals, forming a trio of symbolic elements ([[Leviticus 14:4]], [[Numbers 19:6]]).
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr** (to be pure... make... clean, cleanse, purge, purify): The purpose of the rituals involving **hyssop** is often to **cleanse** `{{H2891}}` a person or object. The plea in [[Psalms 51:7]] explicitly connects being purged with **hyssop** to becoming **clean** `{{H2891}}`.
* `{{H5137}}` **nâzâh** (to spirt, i.e. besprinkle): This action is performed with **hyssop** to ceremonially apply purifying liquids like water or blood onto people, tents, and vessels ([[Numbers 19:18]], [[Leviticus 14:51]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H231}}` is demonstrated through its consistent use in contexts of purification and atonement.
* **Instrument of Purification:** In the Mosaic law, **hyssop** is the designated tool for ceremonial cleansing from defilement, such as contact with a dead **body** `{{H5315}}` or a **grave** `{{H6913}}` [[Numbers 19:18]], as well as cleansing a **house** `{{H1004}}` [[Leviticus 14:52]].
* **Symbol of Divine Protection:** In the Passover narrative, **hyssop** is used to apply the blood that signals deliverance, marking the Israelites' homes and protecting them from death [[Exodus 12:22]].
* **Metaphor for Spiritual Renewal:** David internalizes this ritual in his plea for forgiveness, asking God to "**purge** `{{H2398}}` me with **hyssop**, and I shall be **clean** `{{H2891}}`" [[Psalms 51:7]]. This transforms the physical act into a profound metaphor for spiritual cleansing from sin.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼêzôwb** `{{H231}}` transcends its identity as a simple plant to become a potent biblical symbol. It is an essential tool in the most solemn rituals of protection and purification, bridging the gap between the physical and the spiritual. From its use in marking the doorposts at Passover to its mention in a heartfelt cry for a clean heart, **hyssop** illustrates how God consecrates common elements for sacred purposes, representing cleansing and deliverance.
TRV