Bible Dictionary
Cummin
Cummin is the aromatic seed of an herb used as a spice. Isaiah mentions its careful sowing and threshing, while Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for tithing cummin but neglecting the weightier matters of the law.
Definition
Cummin is the aromatic seed of Cuminum cyminum, an umbelliferous plant cultivated in the East. Its seed was used as a spice in bread, dishes, and stews, and it resembles caraway in appearance and flavor.
Biblical Usage
Isaiah refers to the scattering of cummin in sowing and its careful beating with a rod in threshing. Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for tithing cummin while neglecting the weightier matters of the law.
Historical Background
Cummin was cultivated in Palestine and remains suited to its agricultural practices. The seed has a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste and was used to flavor Oriental dishes.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. kammon; i.e., a “condiment”), the fruit or seed of an umbelliferous plant, the Cuminum sativum, still extensively cultivated in the East. Its fruit is mentioned in Isa. 28:25, 27. In the New Testament it is mentioned in Matt. 23:23, where our Lord pronounces a “woe” on the scribes and Pharisees, who were zealous in paying tithes of “mint and anise and cummin,” while they omitted the weightier matters of the law.” “It is used as a spice, both bruised, to mix with bread, and also boiled, in the various messes and stews which compose an Oriental banquet.” Tristram, Natural History.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
one of the cultivated plants of Palestine. (Isaiah 28:25,27; Matthew 23:23) It is an umbelliferous plant something like fennel. The seeds have a bitterish warm taste and an aromatic flavor. The Maltese are said to grow it at the present day, and to thresh it in the manner described by Isaiah.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kum'-in (kammon; kuminon): The seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum (Natural Order Umbelliferae). It has carminative properties and is used for flavoring various dishes, especially during fasts. In flavor and appearance it resembles caraway, though it is less agreeable to western palates. As an illustration of Yahweh's wisdom it is said (Isa 28:25,27) that cummin is scattered in sowing and beaten out with a rod in threshing. These facts are true in Palestine today. The Jews paid tithes of cummin (Mt 23:23) (see cut on following page).</p>