the name 'hyssop' can be traced back almost unchanged through the greek word ("hyssopos") and hebrew word ("ezov"). the book of exodus in the bible records that the blood of the sacrifices was applied to the doorposts using hyssop on the night of passover. its vomit-inducing properties are also mentioned in the book of psalms. in the new testament, a sponge soaked in sour wine or vinegar was stuck on a branch of hyssop and offered to jesus of nazareth on the cross just before he died. both matthew and mark mention this but refer to the plant using the general term ("kalamos"), which is translated as "reed" or "stick."