Easton's Bible Dictionary A garden herb (Ruta graveolens) which the Pharisees were careful to tithe (Luke 11:42), neglecting weightier matters. It is omitted in the parallel passage of Matthew 23:23. There are several species growing wild in Palestine. It is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It has a powerful scent, and is a stimulant. (see MINT.) Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To lament; to regret extremely; to grieve over; as to rue the day.... 2. (n.) A perennial suffrutescent plant (Ruta graveolens), having a strong, heavy odor and a bitter taste; herb of grace. It is used in medicine. 3. (n.) Fig.: Bitterness; disappointment; grief; regret. 4. (v. t.) To cause to grieve; to afflict. 5. (v. t.) To repent of, and withdraw from, as a bargain; to get released from. 6. (v. i.) To have compassion. 7. (v. i.) To feel sorrow and regret; to repent. 8. (v. t.) Sorrow; repentance. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia RUE roo (peganon): One of the plants mentioned in Luke 11:42 as subject to tithe: in the parallel passage, Matthew 23:23, anise and cummin are mentioned. Ruta graveolens (Natural Order, Rutaceae) is the official rue, and a very similar species, R. chalepensis, is indigenous. Rue is a small shrub growing 2 to 4 ft. high with a heavy odor, disagreeable to Westerners, but a favorite with Orientals. A sprig of rue is often fixed on a child's cap or clothes as a kind of charm.

Multi-Version Concordance Rue (1 Occurrence) Luke 11:42 But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and the love of God. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)