Brief Overview of πήγανον (Strong’s G4076: pēganon)
Strong’s G4076: A noun meaning “rue,” a bitter herb commonly grown in gardens. In biblical context, mentioned by Jesus when addressing Pharisaic legalism regarding tithing of herbs while neglecting weightier matters of the law. Represents attention to minor details while missing essential spiritual truths.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πήγανον (pēganon) refers to the rue plant, a bitter herb cultivated for both culinary and medicinal purposes in ancient times. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’s critique of the Pharisees’ meticulous attention to tithing minor herbs while neglecting justice and love of God. Early church writers used this example to discuss the proper balance between ritual observance and spiritual substance. Today, it continues to illustrate the danger of focusing on religious minutiae while overlooking fundamental spiritual principles.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πήγανον, pēganon, pay’-gan-on
- Detailed pronunciation: pay (as in “pay”) + gan (as in “gone”) + on (as in “on”)
- Part of Speech: Noun
Etymology:
From ancient Greek root possibly related to πήγνυμι (pēgnymi, “to make firm”)
D – Defining Meanings
- Rue plant
- Garden herb
- Medicinal plant
- Bitter herb
- Cultivated herb
Translation Options:
- Rue – specific botanical name
- Garden rue – distinguishes from wild varieties
- Herb of grace – traditional English name
E – Exploring Similar Words
- ἡδύοσμον (hēdyosmon) [hay-doo’-os-mon] – mint
- ἄνηθον (anēthon) [an’-ay-thon] – dill
- κύμινον (kyminon) [koo’-min-on] – cumin
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Noun Features:
- Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Gender: Neuter
- Second Declension
Example forms:
Nominative singular: πήγανον
Genitive singular: πηγάνου
Dative plural: πηγάνοις
Cross-references:
- No direct verbal or adjectival derivatives in NT
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its context in tithing discussions. Thayer’s notes its common cultivation. LSJ documents its medicinal uses. Vine’s connects it to Pharisaic legalism. Strong’s notes its botanical significance. Moulton and Milligan reference its appearance in agricultural texts.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue [πήγανον] and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God.” (Luke 11:42)
Additional References:
[This is the only occurrence in the New Testament]
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Theophrastus: Plant History | “The rue [πήγανον] grows well in gardens and has medicinal properties.” |
| Dioscorides: Materia Medica | “The rue [πήγανον] is useful for various ailments.” |
| Hippocrates: On Diet | “The bitter rue [πήγανον] aids digestion when taken in moderation.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Πήγανον powerfully illustrates how religious practices can distract from true spirituality. The good news of King Jesus emphasizes the priority of justice, mercy, and faith over ceremonial exactness. This herb reminds us to focus on the weightier matters of God’s law while maintaining proper perspective on religious practices.
D – Did You Know?
- Rue was considered an important medicinal plant in ancient times.
- It was often planted around homes to ward off evil in folk tradition.
- The plant’s name influenced the English phrase “rue the day.”
Strong’s G4076: A noun referring to the rue plant, used by Jesus to illustrate misplaced religious priorities. Common garden herb whose precise tithing by Pharisees exemplified their focus on minor matters while neglecting weightier spiritual concerns.
Part of speech: Noun
Tags: #rue #herbs #Pharisees #tithing #legalism #priorities #Jesus #teaching #Luke #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #spiritualPriorities
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
