Lexical Summary elaion: Oil Original Word: ἔλαιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oil. Neuter of the same as elaia; olive oil -- oil. see GREEK elaia HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1637 élaion – olive oil (from 1636 /elaía, "olive tree"); (figuratively) the indwelling (empowering) of the Holy Spirit. While all true believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, none can give their oil to someone else (see Mt 25:3-8)! Each person must seek (find) the Lord for themself. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom elaia Definition olive oil NASB Translation oil (10), olive oil (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1637: ἔλαιονἔλαιον, ἐλαίου, τό (from Homer down), the Sept. chiefly for שֶׁמֶן, also for יִצְהָר; olive-oil: used for feeding lamps, Matthew 25:3f, 8; for healing the sick, Mark 6:13; Luke 10:34; James 5:14; for anointing the head and body at feasts (Athen. 15, c. 11) (cf. under the word μύρον), Luke 7:46; Hebrews 1:9 (on which passage see ἀγαλλίασις); mentioned among articles of commerce, Luke 16:6; Revelation 6:6; Revelation 18:13. Cf. Winers RWB, under the word Oel; Furrer in Schenkel 4:354; Schnedermann, Die Biblical Symbolik des Oelbaumes u. d. Oeles, in the Zeitschr. f. d. luth. Theol. for 1874, p. 4ff; (B. D., under the word Topical Lexicon Overview of Olive Oil in the New TestamentOlive oil appears as a staple of first-century life, integral to cooking, lighting, medicine, and worship. The eleven New Testament instances of ἔλαιον/ἐλαίῳ highlight its ready presence in homes, markets, and places of ministry, while also elevating the common substance into a rich symbol of divine grace, joy, and preparedness. Sacred Anointing and Healing • Mark 6:13: “They drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil.” The Twelve employ olive oil as a tangible sign accompanying prayer and deliverance, echoing Old Testament priestly anointings yet now exercised by ordinary disciples. • James 5:14: “Is any of you sick? He should call the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” The apostolic instruction establishes a continuing pattern for congregational care: prayer, elder leadership, and the physical token of oil, underscoring dependence on the risen Christ for healing rather than on the oil itself. Hospitality and Honor Luke 7:46 rebukes Simon the Pharisee for neglecting a courtesy that even modest hosts performed: “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume.” The omission reveals Simon’s cold heart, whereas the woman’s lavish devotion anticipates Christ’s burial (compare Matthew 26:12) and demonstrates that genuine faith expresses itself through costly, humble service. Mercy and Compassion in Service Luke 10:34 depicts the Good Samaritan tending wounds with “oil and wine.” Olive oil here functions medicinally, soothing injuries and preventing infection. The narrative teaches that covenant love transcends ethnic and social barriers, calling believers to imitate the Samaritan’s willingness to spend time, resources, and—symbolically—the anointing of grace upon the hurting. Eschatological Preparedness Matthew 25:3-4, 8 features the wise and foolish virgins, whose future hinges on the presence or absence of oil for their lamps. Olive oil becomes a metaphor for genuine readiness when the Bridegroom appears. The parable warns against presumption and urges continual spiritual vigilance, for “the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet” (verse 10). Messianic Consecration and Joy Hebrews 1:9 cites Psalm 45: “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.” The exalted Son receives the royal anointing, signifying not only installation but overflowing joy that He shares with His people (John 17:13). Olive oil, as a festival substance, conveys the Spirit-given gladness that marks the Messiah’s reign. Economic Value and Judgment • Revelation 6:6 announces scarcity during the third seal but commands, “Do not harm the oil and the wine.” Even under divine judgment, certain staples remain guarded, highlighting God’s measured wrath. • Revelation 18:13 lists “cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep” among Babylon’s cargo. The same commodity that blesses the saints fuels the idolatrous wealth of the harlot city, whose collapse exposes the futility of trusting in commerce rather than Christ. • Luke 16:6 portrays the steward reducing a debt from one hundred measures of oil to fifty, illustrating shrewd preparation for coming accountability. Theological Themes 1. Consecration and Presence: Oil marks persons and objects set apart for God, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ and extended to His body, the church (2 Corinthians 1:21). Applications for Ministry Today • Incorporate anointing with oil in pastoral care, coupling it with earnest prayer and instruction in faith and repentance. Forms and Transliterations ελαιον έλαιον έλαιόν ἔλαιον ελαιου ελαίου ἐλαίου ελαιω ελαιώ ελαίω ἐλαίῳ elaio elaiō elaíoi elaíōi elaion élaion elaiou elaíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 25:3 N-ANSGRK: μεθ' ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον NAS: they took no oil with them, KJV: and took no oil with them: INT: with themselves oil Matthew 25:4 N-ANS Matthew 25:8 N-GNS Mark 6:13 N-DNS Luke 7:46 N-DNS Luke 10:34 N-ANS Luke 16:6 N-GNS Hebrews 1:9 N-ANS James 5:14 N-DNS Revelation 6:6 N-ANS Revelation 18:13 N-ANS Strong's Greek 1637 |
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