Lexical Summary hussópos: Hyssop Original Word: ὕσσωπος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hyssop. Of foreign origin ('ezowb); "hyssop" -- hyssop. see HEBREW 'ezowb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Semitic origin, cf. ezob Definition hyssop NASB Translation hyssop (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5301: ὕσσωποςὕσσωπος (on the breathing see WH's Appendix, p. 144a; Lachmann (in both his editions) spells it with one sigma ς' in John), ὑσσώπου, ἡ, (Hebrew אֵזוב, Exodus 12:22; Numbers 19:6, 18, etc.), hyssop, a plant a bunch of which was used by the Hebrews in their ritual sprinklings: Hebrews 9:19; ὑσσώπῳ, equivalent to καλάμῳ ὑσσώπου, John 19:29. Cf. Winers RWB, under the word Ysop; Arnold in Herzog xviii., p. 337f; Furrer in Schenkel v., 685f; (Riehm, p. 1771f; Löw, Aram. Pflanzennamen, § 93; Tristram, Nat. Hist. etc., p. 455f; B. D. under the word (especially American edition)). Topical Lexicon Plant Characteristics and Regional Availability Hyssop is a small, bushy, aromatic plant that thrives in rocky soil throughout the Mediterranean basin. Its stiff, woody branches and dense flower clusters make it ideal for fashioning small “brushes,” allowing it to function as a natural sprinkler for liquids. Because it grows readily on hillsides and in limestone crevices, hyssop was easily gathered by the Israelites and later by those living in Judea during the Second Temple period. Old Testament Background Hyssop first appears in connection with the Passover night. “Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it in the blood in the basin, and brush the lintel and the two doorposts” (Exodus 12:22). The same plant was specified for the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14:4, 49–52) and for purifying contact with death (Numbers 19:6, 18). David alluded to this usage in his penitential psalm: “Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean” (Psalm 51:7). In each case, hyssop served as the instrument that applied sacrificial blood or water, marking the person or object as purified and set apart for God. Symbolism of Purification and Redemption The repetition of hyssop in cleansing rites fixed the plant in Israel’s collective memory as a symbol of purification through substitutionary sacrifice. Its porous stems readily absorbed and released liquid, visually reinforcing the truth that cleansing comes only as the blood is applied. This physical picture anticipated the effectual cleansing later accomplished through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hyssop at the Cross John records one of the two New Testament appearances of ὑσσώπῳ: “A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips” (John 19:29). The detail is striking; John could have mentioned only the sponge, yet he specifies the hyssop stalk. The One whose blood fulfills every Old Testament type receives liquid by the same humble plant that once applied Passover blood to Israel’s doorposts. Thus, hyssop silently testifies that the true Passover Lamb is completing the work of redemption. Hyssop in Apostolic Teaching Hebrews 9:19 recalls the wilderness covenant ceremony: “When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, together with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people.” The writer uses this historical scene to argue that even the first covenant required blood to inaugurate worship; therefore, the new covenant, ratified by a superior sacrifice, secures a superior cleansing. Hyssop, mentioned in passing, anchors the argument in concrete, historical practice and shows continuity between the covenants. Theological Themes and Doctrinal Implications 1. Necessity of Atonement: Hyssop’s only biblical function is to deliver sacrificial blood or purifying water, underscoring humanity’s need for atonement. Practical Applications for Ministry Today • Preaching and Teaching: Illustrate the gospel by tracing hyssop from Passover to Calvary, helping hearers see the consistency of God’s redemptive storyline. Key References Exodus 12:22; Leviticus 14:4–7, 49–52; Numbers 19:6, 18; Psalm 51:7; John 19:29; Hebrews 9:19 Forms and Transliterations ύσσωπον υσσωπου υσσώπου ὑσσώπου υσσωπω υσσώπω ύσσωπω ὑσσώπῳ hyssopo hyssōpō hyssṓpoi hyssṓpōi hyssopou hyssōpou hyssṓpou ussopo ussōpō ussopou ussōpouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 19:29 N-DMSGRK: τοῦ ὄξους ὑσσώπῳ περιθέντες προσήνεγκαν NAS: of the sour wine upon [a branch] [of] hyssop and brought KJV: put [it] upon hyssop, and put INT: with vinegar hyssop having put [it] on they brought Hebrews 9:19 N-GMS Strong's Greek 5301 |
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