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what specific jewish law required tithing these garden herbs, and for what purpose?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Matthew 23:23

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd and his disciples in Jerusalem, sharply criticizing the religious leaders (scribes and Pharisees) for their hypocrisy. This particular verse addresses their focus on outward religious duties while neglecting the inner spirit of the law.

Where might we be diligently upholding smaller rules while neglecting the core principles those rules were meant to serve?

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Read alongside it

  • Luke 11:42

    This parallel passage from Luke's Gospel also records Jesus criticizing the tithing of herbs while neglecting justice and the love of God.

  • Micah 6:8

    This Old Testament prophet famously asks what the Lord requires: 'to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.'

  • Deuteronomy 14:22-29

    This passage outlines the general principle of tithing agricultural produce, specifying it for joyful feasting, supporting Levites, and aiding the poor.

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