Overview
Mint was a common garden herb in first-century Judea used for seasoning and medicinal purposes. The Pharisees were so devoted to tithing every small herb that they tithed mint, dill, and cumin—demonstrating external obedience to the law. However, Jesus rebuked them for focusing on these minor details while neglecting the far more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Key Scriptures
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others." (Matthew 23:23, ESV)
"But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others." (Luke 11:42, ESV)
Application
Believers should examine their hearts to ensure that outward religious practices flow from genuine love for God and neighbor, not mere rule-keeping that obscures true righteousness.