← G5300 G5302 →

ὕσσωπος

hýssōpos

G5301 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A plant named hyssop, used ritually or symbolically, especially for sprinkling in purification rites; refers to a species of small aromatic plant, likely a cluster-bearing herb employed in ceremonial cleansing or the application of liquid for ritual purposes. The term typically designates the plant (and sometimes the stalk or branch) used for religious or symbolic functions rather than for culinary or medicinal purposes alone.

Semantic Range

a plant used in purification rituals, a stalk or sprig employed to sprinkle liquids, a symbolic or ceremonial branch

Root / Etymology

Greek ὕσσωπος is a loanword from a Semitic source, most likely Hebrew אֵזוֹב ('ēzôb), denoting a plant used in Israelite purification rituals. The word entered Greek usage via contact with Semitic languages, as there is no clear Indo-European derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term ὕσσωπος appears in the Septuagint to render the Hebrew אֵזוֹב, designating the plant used for sprinkling during purification according to Torah regulations (e.g., Exodus 12:22; Psalm 50:9 LXX). In the New Testament, the word occurs in John 19:29, in reference to the branch offered to Jesus at the crucifixion. Ancient identification of ὕσσωπος varied: classical Greek authors sometimes confuse it with other aromatic or medicinal plants. Modern scholarship suggests it may refer to Origanum syriacum or a similar species native to the region, rather than the European hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) of later botanical nomenclature. English Bible translations uniformly render the word as “hyssop,” but the specific botanical identification remains debated. In all contexts, the word’s significance comes primarily from its ritual function in purification, not horticultural properties.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of foreign origin (אֵזוֹב); "hyssop":--hyssop.

Root Family

ὑσσωπ- (hýssōpos) — hyssop, small aromatic plant, purificatory sprig

Root ὑσσωπ- hyssop, small aromatic plant, purificatory sprig

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5301-01 ὑσσώπῳ ussopo N DAT M SG hyssop to a hyssop sprig on a hyssop sprig 1
G5301-02 ὑσσώπου ussopou N GEN F SG hyssop of hyssop hyssop 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5301-01 John 19:29 ὑσσώπῳ ussopo N DAT M SG hyssop to a hyssop sprig on a hyssop sprig
G5301-02 Hebrews 9:19 ὑσσώπου ussopou N GEN F SG hyssop of hyssop hyssop
← G5300 Greek Lexicon G5302 →