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πήγανον (pēganon)

pēganon

rue

G4076 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun pēganon refers to rue, a shrubby herb that grows about two feet tall and was valued in the ancient world for its medicinal properties. In the New Testament, this specific plant appears only once, in Luke 11:42, where Jesus criticizes religious leaders for tithing even the smallest herbs from their gardens.

The critique highlights a striking contrast between meticulous ritual observance and the heavier matters of justice and love. By mentioning rue, Jesus points to the absurdity of worrying about precise measurements of minor agricultural produce while ignoring fundamental moral duties. The word underscores the priority of inner integrity over external compliance.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Rue was a common garden herb in first-century Palestine, valued for its sharp flavor and medicinal uses. When Jesus mentions it in Luke 11:42, He is not attacking gardening or tithing itself. Instead, He highlights a serious imbalance. The religious leaders of that day were careful to measure out even the smallest herbs for their offerings, yet they neglected justice and love for God.

This word reminds us that faith is not just about checking boxes or following rules perfectly. It is easy to focus on small duties while ignoring the heavier matters of the heart. True devotion requires a balance: we can care for details without losing sight of what truly matters. Jesus invites us to prioritize love and justice, ensuring our outward actions reflect an inner life grounded in compassion.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • rue1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • πήγανον1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 11:42
    But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and God’s love. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.

    This verse uses rue to illustrate the absurdity of meticulous ritual observance while neglecting justice and love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pēganon mean in the Bible?

Pēganon is the Greek word for rue, a shrubby herb used in ancient times for cooking and medicine. It appears only once in the New Testament, where Jesus uses it as an example of something small that people might focus on too much.

Why does Jesus mention rue in Luke 11:42?

Jesus mentions rue to criticize religious leaders who were careful to tithe even tiny herbs but ignored justice and love. The reference shows how focusing on minor details can distract from more important moral duties.

Is rue mentioned anywhere else in the Bible?

No, pēganon appears only in Luke 11:42. Its single occurrence makes it a specific example rather than a recurring theme, highlighting the particular issue of misplaced priorities in religious practice.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Luke 1 verse
Luke 11:42

But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and God’s love. You ought…