Pronunciation Guide: ah’-nay-thon

Basic Definition

Strong’s G432: ἄνηθον refers to the dill plant, an aromatic herb commonly used in ancient Mediterranean cuisine and medicine. This annual herb, reaching heights of up to one meter, produces feathery leaves and small yellow flowers that develop into flavorful seeds. In biblical contexts, it represents one of the small garden herbs that required careful cultivation and was valued for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
• Origin: Pre-Greek agricultural vocabulary
• Usage Context: Primarily found in narrative and teaching passages
• Register: Common in agricultural and domestic contexts
• Semantic Domain: Flora, Agriculture, Temple Offerings

ἄνηθον Morphology:

• ἄνηθον (nominative/accusative singular) – dill plant
• ἀνήθου (genitive singular) – of dill
• ἀνήθῳ (dative singular) – with/by dill

Origin & History

The term ἄνηθον has a rich history in ancient Mediterranean literature, appearing in various medical and botanical treatises. Theophrastus, in his “Historia Plantarum” (7.1.2-3), describes it among the cultivated herbs of his time, noting its use in both cooking and medicine. The word likely entered Greek from a pre-Greek agricultural substrate language, reflecting its early domestication in the region.

In the Hellenistic period, dill became increasingly important in Jewish culture, as evidenced by its mention in the Mishnah (Ma’aserot 4:5), where it is discussed in relation to tithing practices. This cultural significance helps explain its inclusion in the New Testament discourse about tithing.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A cultivated annual herb used for culinary seasoning and medicine
• A plant whose seeds and leaves were valued for flavoring and preservation
• A minor crop subject to religious tithing requirements

ἄνηθον Translation Options:

• “dill” – The most precise English equivalent, reflecting both botanical accuracy and cultural usage
• “anise” – A traditional translation found in some older versions, though botanically distinct
• “herb” – A broader term that captures the category but loses specific cultural connotations

Biblical Usage

The word ἄνηθον appears only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 23:23, where Yeshua (Jesus) addresses the practice of tithing herbs while neglecting weightier matters of the Torah. While its single appearance might seem insignificant, its context provides crucial insight into first-century Jewish religious practices and Yeshua’s teaching about true righteousness.

In the Septuagint, though ἄνηθον itself doesn’t appear, similar herbs are mentioned in contexts of agricultural practices and offerings, demonstrating the consistent attention to detail in Jewish religious observance.

• “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill [ἄνηθον] and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” Matthew 23:23

Cultural Insights

In first-century Jewish culture, the tithing of herbs like ἄνηθον represented the pinnacle of ceremonial exactitude. Garden herbs were not explicitly mentioned in the Torah’s tithing laws, but conscientious Jews included them based on the principle of giving Yahweh the first fruits of all produce. This practice demonstrated both remarkable attention to detail and, paradoxically, could become a distraction from more fundamental aspects of faith.

The cultivation of dill in ancient gardens required careful attention – from proper spacing to regular watering. This agricultural precision made it an apt metaphor for the minute care some religious leaders took with ceremonial obligations while overlooking weightier spiritual matters.

Theological Significance

The appearance of ἄνηθον in Yeshua’s teaching provides a powerful lens through which to view the relationship between ritual observance and heart-level devotion to God. While Yeshua never condemns the practice of tithing herbs – in fact, He affirms it – He uses this detail-oriented practice to highlight a crucial spiritual principle: that external religious precision must flow from and reflect internal righteousness.

This word thus serves as a bridge between the minutiae of religious observance and the grand themes of justice, mercy, and faithfulness that characterize God’s heart. It reminds us that while God does care about details (as evidenced by His intricate design of even small herbs), He cares far more about the condition of our hearts and our treatment of others.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἄνηθον in Scripture, we’re invited to examine our own spiritual priorities. Just as dill requires careful cultivation to flourish, our spiritual lives need attention and care. However, we must ensure that our focus on religious details doesn’t overshadow the weightier matters of faith – justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

This humble herb challenges us to maintain proper spiritual perspective, asking ourselves whether we’re giving appropriate attention to both the details and the fundamentals of our faith walk with God.

Related Words

• κύμινον (kuminon) [koo’-min-on] – cumin, another herb mentioned in the same context, representing careful attention to detail. See G2951
• ἡδύοσμον (hēduosmon) [hay-doo’-os-mon] – mint, a garden herb that was also tithed, symbolizing meticulous religious observance. See G2238
• σίναπι (sinapi) [sin’-ap-ee] – mustard, a small seed that becomes a large plant, often used in Yeshua’s parables. See G4615

Did you Know?

• The ancient Greeks and Romans used dill as a good luck symbol, often crowning victors with wreaths of dill fronds. This cultural practice adds depth to understanding how valuable even this small herb was considered in the ancient world.
• Archaeological evidence from Roman-era sites in Jerusalem has uncovered dill seeds, confirming its cultivation in the Holy Land during the time of Yeshua. This physical evidence helps us understand the immediate relevance of Yeshua’s teaching to His audience.
• Modern research has shown that dill contains compounds that aid digestion, echoing ancient uses of the herb for medicinal purposes. This scientific validation of traditional wisdom reminds us of God’s careful design in creation.

Remember This

ἄνηθον reminds us that while God notices our attention to detail in worship, He desires these practices to flow from hearts filled with justice, mercy, and faithfulness.