Hyssop was associated with Passover and with sacrifice. During the Exodus, the Hebrews used hyssop to sprinkle the blood of a lamb on their doorposts to protect them from the angel of death (Ex.12:22). Hyssop was used in many temple ceremonies and was identified with forgiveness—for example, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean” (Ps. 50/51:7). Because of its association with Passover and temple rituals that removed impurity and imparted forgiveness of sin, John specifically noted the use of hyssop here.
