Original Word: אֵזוֹב
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: ezowb
Pronunciation: ay-zobe'
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-zobe')
Definition: hyssop
Meaning: Hyssop is a small, bushy plant used in ancient times for its aromatic properties and its role in ritual purification.

Word Origin: The word אֵזוֹב is of uncertain derivation, but it is a term used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a plant known as hyssop.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew אֵזוֹב is found in Strong's Greek Number G5301, ὕσσωπος (hyssōpos). This term appears in the New Testament, notably in John 19:29, where a sponge soaked in vinegar is put on a hyssop stalk and lifted to Jesus' lips during the crucifixion. The use of hyssop in this context continues the theme of purification and sacrifice found in the Old Testament.

Usage: The term אֵזוֹב appears in various contexts within the Hebrew Bible, primarily associated with purification rituals. It is mentioned in the context of the Passover, cleansing of lepers, and purification from sin.

Context: • Biblical References: Hyssop is mentioned in several key passages in the Old Testament. In Exodus 12:22, the Israelites are instructed to use a bunch of hyssop to apply the blood of the Passover lamb to their doorposts. In Leviticus 14:4-6, hyssop is used in the cleansing ritual for a leper. Numbers 19:6 describes its use in the preparation of the water of purification. In Psalm 51:7, David pleads, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."
• Cultural and Ritual Significance: Hyssop's significance in the Bible is largely tied to its use in purification rites. Its aromatic and absorbent qualities made it suitable for sprinkling liquids, such as blood or water, in religious ceremonies. The plant symbolizes cleansing and purification, both physically and spiritually.
• Botanical Identification: While the exact species of the biblical hyssop is debated, it is generally thought to be a member of the mint family, possibly Origanum syriacum or a similar plant native to the Middle East. Its identification is based on historical and botanical studies, though the precise species remains uncertain.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
hyssop
NASB Translation
hyssop (10).

אֵזוֺב noun masculine^{1Ki 5:13} hyssop (Mishna אזוב, Aramaic , Arabic Frey., Ethiopic ᵐ5 ὕσσωπος, herb of purging qualities, but perhaps not precise botanical term, see Di Leviticus 14:6 f; see also Löw⁹³) **probably a kind of wild marjoram (origanum Muru) Post^{Hast. DB Hyssop}. — ׳א absolute Exodus 12:22 4t.; אֵזֹב Leviticus 14:4 4t.; — hyssop, little plant (contracted אֶרֶז cedar) 1 Kings 5:13, אֲשֶׁר יֹצֵא בַּקִּיר ׳הָא; Exodus 12:22 (J) ׳אֲגֻדַּת א a bunch of h. for sprinkling blood on doorposts; without אגדת, used in cleansing from leprosy Leviticus 14:4,6,49,51,52; burnt with red heifer Numbers 19:6; used in cleansing with ashes of red heifer Numbers 19:18 (all P); compare Psalm 51:9 וְאֶטְהָ֑ר ׳תְּחַטְּאֵנִי בְּא.

אַזְכָּרָה see זכר.

hyssop

Probably of foreign derivation; hyssop -- hyssop.

אֵז֗וֹב אֵז֜וֹב אזוב בְאֵז֣וֹב באזוב הָ֨אֵזֹ֜ב הָאֵז֔וֹב הָאֵזֹ֑ב האזב האזוב וְאֵז֖וֹב וְאֵזֹֽב׃ וּבָאֵזֹ֖ב ואזב׃ ואזוב ובאזב ’ê·zō·wḇ ’êzōwḇ ḇə’êzōwḇ ḇə·’ê·zō·wḇ eZov hā’êzōḇ hā’êzōwḇ hā·’ê·zō·wḇ hā·’ê·zōḇ haeZo haeZov ū·ḇā·’ê·zōḇ ūḇā’êzōḇ uvaeZo veeZo veeZov wə’êzōḇ wə’êzōwḇ wə·’ê·zō·wḇ wə·’ê·zōḇInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts