432. anéthon

Lexicon

anéthon: Dill

Original Word: ἄνηθον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: anéthon
Pronunciation: ah'-nay-thon
Phonetic Spelling: (an'-ay-thon)
Definition: Dill
Meaning: anise, dill.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

dill

Probably of foreign origin; dill -- anise.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
anise, dill
NASB Translation
dill (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 432: ἄνηθον

ἄνηθον, ἀνηθου, τό, dill, anise ((?); cf. BB. DD., under the word; Tristram, Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 419f): Matthew 23:23. (Aristophanes nub. 982; (Aristotle, others); often in Theophrastus, hist. pl.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word for "dill," a plant known for its aromatic seeds and leaves.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἄνηθον in the Old Testament, as the specific term for dill does not appear in the Hebrew Scriptures. However, the concept of tithing, which is central to the context in which ἄνηθον is mentioned, is rooted in various Hebrew terms related to offerings and tithes, such as מַעֲשֵׂר (ma'aser, Strong's Hebrew 4643) for "tithe."

Usage: The term ἄνηθον appears in the New Testament in the context of tithing, where Jesus references it as an example of meticulous adherence to the law while neglecting more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Context: • The word ἄνηθον is mentioned in the New Testament in Matthew 23:23. In this passage, Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees, criticizing them for their hypocrisy. He points out that they are diligent in tithing even the smallest of herbs, such as mint, dill (ἄνηθον), and cumin, yet they neglect the weightier matters of the law. This reference highlights the Pharisees' focus on external religious observance rather than the underlying principles of the law.
• Dill was a common herb in the ancient Mediterranean world, valued for its culinary and medicinal properties. It was used to flavor food and as a remedy for various ailments. The plant's seeds and leaves were both utilized, and it was likely grown in household gardens.
• The mention of dill in the context of tithing underscores the meticulous nature of the Pharisees' religious practices. Tithing, or giving a tenth of one's produce, was a requirement under Mosaic Law, and the Pharisees extended this practice to even the smallest herbs, demonstrating their commitment to the letter of the law.
• Jesus' teaching in this passage emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the core values of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—over mere ritualistic observance. The reference to dill serves as a metaphor for the broader principle of focusing on the spirit rather than the letter of religious practice.

Forms and Transliterations

ανηθον άνηθον ἄνηθον ανήκοοι ανήκοος ανηκόων anethon anēthon ánethon ánēthon

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 23:23 N-ANS
GRK: καὶ τὸ ἄνηθον καὶ τὸ
NAS: mint and dill and cummin,
KJV: of mint and anise and cummin,
INT: and dill and

Strong's Greek 432
1 Occurrence

ἄνηθον — 1 Occ.