Original Word: אֵזוֹב
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: ezowb
Pronunciation: ay-zobe'
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-zobe')
KJV: hyssop
NASB: hyssop
Word Origin: [probably of foreign derivation]

1. hyssop

hyssop

Probably of foreign derivation; hyssop -- hyssop.

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.

Botanical Identity

Hyssop is a small, woody, and strongly aromatic plant that grows in rocky crags and stone walls throughout the Levant. Modern botanists commonly identify it with Origanum syriacum or a closely related marjoram‐like species native to Israel’s hill country. Its stiff branches, abundant leaves, and absorbent flower heads make it suitable for forming a natural “brush,” explaining its repeated liturgical use for sprinkling blood or water. Because the plant thrives in dry, sun-baked soils, it serves in Scripture as a humble contrast to the lofty cedar of Lebanon (1 Kings 4:33), illustrating spiritual truths about exaltation and humility.

Biblical Distribution

The Hebrew term appears ten times, all in the Torah, the historical books, and the Psalms:

Exodus 12:22; Leviticus 14:4 6 49 51 52; Numbers 19:6 18; 1 Kings 4:33; Psalm 51:7.

Instrument of Covenant Deliverance (Exodus 12:22)

During the first Passover, the Lord instructed: “Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood that is in the basin, and brush the lintel and the two doorposts with some of the blood”. Hyssop thus became the tangible means by which Israel applied the substitutionary blood of the lamb to their homes. Its modest stature underscores that salvation is not secured by human grandeur but by obedient faith in God’s provision. The plant’s absorbent branches ensured that none of the atoning blood was wasted—a vivid reminder that Christ’s blood, typified here, is fully effectual for all who shelter under it.

Implement of Levitical Purification (Leviticus 14; Numbers 19)

In the cleansing of a healed leper (Leviticus 14:4 6 49–52) and the preparation of water mixed with the ashes of the red heifer (Numbers 19:6 18), hyssop was tied with scarlet yarn to cedar wood and dipped in sacrificial blood or sanctifying water. These rites demonstrate that holiness is imparted through divinely appointed means, not personal merit. The cedar, symbolizing strength, and the scarlet, symbolizing life, are joined to the lowly hyssop, emphasizing that God’s redemption unites the mighty and the humble in one covenant lineage.

Penitential Symbolism (Psalm 51:7)

David pleads, “Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow”. Though king, David recognizes that only God’s gracious application of sacrificial cleansing can remove sin’s defilement. Hyssop here becomes an emblem of conscience-sprinkling forgiveness (Hebrews 9:13–14), forging a link between Old Testament ritual and New Testament soteriology.

Wisdom and the Created Order (1 Kings 4:33)

Solomon “described plant life, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing out of the wall.” By pairing the majestic cedar with the inconspicuous hyssop, Scripture presents a comprehensive view of divine wisdom that spans the breadth of creation. The king’s encyclopedic knowledge foreshadows the greater wisdom of Christ, in whom “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Christological Fulfillment

John records that sour wine was lifted to Jesus’ lips “on a sponge of sour wine on a stalk of hyssop” (John 19:29). The plant that once applied lamb’s blood in Egypt now touches the true Lamb at His climactic sacrifice. The connection crowns hyssop’s biblical journey from shadow to substance, reinforcing the unified redemptive storyline of Scripture.

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Preaching and teaching can employ hyssop as an illustration of humble obedience that applies Christ’s finished work.
2. Pastoral counseling may draw on Psalm 51 to guide penitents toward God’s promised cleansing.
3. Liturgical reenactments of Passover or Good Friday benefit from explaining hyssop’s role, enriching congregational appreciation of the atonement.

Archaeological and Historical Notes

Excavations in Judea have uncovered plastered stone basins near first-century dwellings, consistent with ritual purification practices that would have utilized hyssop bundles. Rabbinic sources (Mishnah Parah) stipulate the plant’s use in red-heifer ceremonies, confirming the continuity of the biblical ordinance into later Jewish practice.

Spiritual Lessons

Hyssop embodies the paradox of God’s kingdom: greatness expressed through smallness, purity conveyed through simple means, and salvation wrought by another’s blood. Its enduring presence from Exodus to Calvary invites believers to continual reliance on the cleansing power of Christ, to whom all Scripture—hyssop included—ultimately points.

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