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Hyssop (2)

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

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HYSSOP (אִזוֹב, ὕσσωπος) is twice mentioned in the NT (John 19:29, Hebrews 9:19). We know that it was used for sprinkling (Exodus 12:22), and that it grew on walls (1 Kings 4:33). By Tristram it is identified with the caper-plant (spinosa); and this view is very generally accepted. It is open, however, to the serious objection that the caper is not well adapted for use as a sprinkler. Many still favour the opinion of Maimonides that it was the satar of the Arabs. This plant, which ‘springs out of the walls, those of the garden especially’ (Thomson, ^{B [Note: The Land and the Book.]} p. 112), is a species of Satureia. In Morocco, the name saʽtar is given to marjoram (Origanum). Carruthers (Bible Educator, iv. 226) suggests that hyssop was a name applied to various plants of the genera Thymus, Origanus, and others nearly allied in form and habit. The balance of probability is in favour of this view.

Hugh Duncan.