Topical Encyclopedia Dill, known scientifically as Anethum graveolens, is an herb that is mentioned in the Bible in the context of tithing and Pharisaic practices. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes other aromatic herbs such as cumin and coriander. Dill is characterized by its feathery leaves and yellow flowers, and it has been used historically for both culinary and medicinal purposes.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to dill is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cumin, but you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." In this passage, dill is mentioned as one of the herbs that the Pharisees meticulously tithed. The practice of tithing herbs like dill demonstrates the Pharisees' focus on the minutiae of the law while neglecting its weightier matters. Jesus criticizes them for their hypocrisy, emphasizing that while they are diligent in tithing even the smallest of garden herbs, they fail to uphold the core principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient times, dill was a common herb in the Mediterranean region, valued for its flavor and medicinal properties. It was used to season food and as a remedy for various ailments, including digestive issues. The mention of dill in the context of tithing reflects its agricultural significance and the Pharisees' commitment to observing the law in every detail. The Pharisees' practice of tithing dill, along with other herbs, illustrates their dedication to the Mosaic Law, which required the Israelites to give a tenth of their produce to support the Levites, the temple, and the poor (Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22-29). However, Jesus' rebuke highlights the danger of legalism—focusing on external compliance while neglecting the heart of God's commandments. Symbolism and Lessons: Dill, as mentioned in the Bible, serves as a symbol of the meticulous observance of religious duties. The reference to dill in Matthew 23:23 underscores the importance of balancing external religious practices with the internal virtues of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder to believers to prioritize the weightier matters of the law and to live out their faith with integrity and compassion. In the broader biblical narrative, the mention of dill and other herbs in the context of tithing invites reflection on the nature of true worship and obedience. It challenges believers to examine their own lives, ensuring that their devotion to God is not merely superficial but deeply rooted in love and righteousness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An herb (Peucedanum graveolens), the seeds of which are moderately warming, pungent, and aromatic, and were formerly used as a soothing medicine for children; -- called also dillseed.2. (v.) To still; to calm; to soothe, as one in pain. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANISE; DILLan'-is, or dil; (RVm, anethon): Not the true anise, Pimpinella anisum, as was supposed by the King James Version translators, but Dill, Anethum graveolens. This is an annual or biennial herb of NO Umbelliferae, growing from one to three feet high, with small yellow flowers and brownish, flattened, oval fruits 1/5 inch long. It grows wild in lands bordering on the Mediterranean. The seeds have an aromatic flavor and are used as condiment in cooking, as carminative in medicine. "Dill water" is a favorite domestic remedy. Jesus said (Matthew 23:23): "Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law," etc. In the tract, Ma`aseroth (4 5) it is mentioned that this plant (Hebrew shabhath), its stem, leaves and seed, was subject to tithe. See CUT. DILL See ANISE. Greek 432. anethon -- anise, dill ... anise, dill. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: anethon Phonetic Spelling: (an'-ay-thon) Short Definition: anise, dill Definition: anise, dill. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/432.htm - 6k 2951. kuminon -- cummin Strong's Hebrew 7100. qetsach -- black cumin... 7099, 7100. qetsach. 7101 . black cumin. Transliteration: qetsach Phonetic Spelling: (keh'-tsakh) Short Definition: dill. Word Origin ... /hebrew/7100.htm - 5k Library Bibliography Manuscripts Letter D On the Government of God And when Jesus Entered the Temple, they Brought unto Him Blind And ... Thesaurus Dill (3 Occurrences)... 2. (v.) To still; to calm; to soothe, as one in pain. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ANISE; DILL. ... "Dill water" is a favorite domestic remedy. ... /d/dill.htm - 8k Anise (1 Occurrence) Cumin (3 Occurrences) Threshed (7 Occurrences) Cart (12 Occurrences) Wheel (20 Occurrences) Instrument (45 Occurrences) Stick (47 Occurrences) Beaten (73 Occurrences) Neglect (19 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to have a holier-than-thou attitude? | GotQuestions.orgDill: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dill (3 Occurrences)Matthew 23:23 Isaiah 28:25 Isaiah 28:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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