The Life of Jesus in Harmony | Index

hyssop

HYSSOP. A species of marjoram and a member of the mint family.

Hyssop was an aromatic shrub under one meter (three feet) tall with clusters of yellow flowers. It grew in rocky crevices and was cultivated on terraced walls <1 Kin. 4:33>.

The high priest sprinkled the blood with hyssop. The first record of this use of hyssop is in connection with the Exodus, when the Israelites used "bunches" of hyssop to sprinkle the doorposts with the blood of the paschal lamb (Ex 12:22). It was also used in connection with the ceremony of purifying lepers (Lev. 14:4-7) and in sprinkling blood on the leprous house (vv. 48-53). Hyssop was also used in the peculiar ordinance appointed for the purification of ceremonial uncleanness contracted by touching a dead body (Num 19:14-18).

In the account of the crucifixion (Jn 19:28-29) it is recorded, "they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a bunch of hyssop, and brought it to His mouth."

Figurative. The psalmist, having in view the frequent use of hyssop in the ceremonial law as a means by which the virtue of the sacrifice was transferred to the transgressor, applies it figuratively to the purification of sin and guilt when he prays, "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean" (Ps 51:7).