Lexical Summary murizó: To anoint with perfume or ointment Original Word: μυρίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance anoint. From muron; to apply (perfumed) unguent to -- anoint. see GREEK muron HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3462 myrízō (from 3464 /mýron) – apply ointment ("anoint"), especially for burial (embalming). See 3464 (mron). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom muron Definition to anoint NASB Translation anointed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3462: μυρίζωμυρίζω: 1 aorist infinitive μυρίσαι; (μύρον); from Herodotus down; to anoint: Mark 14:8. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Historical Practice In the ancient Near East, precious oils and aromatic ointments were reserved for moments of highest honor—welcoming distinguished guests, consecrating priests and kings, celebrating weddings, and preparing bodies for burial. These fragrant mixtures, often based on myrrh, aloe, and nard, symbolized joy, dignity, and the sanctity of life and death. To “myrize” someone was therefore to envelop that person in an atmosphere of costly devotion and public esteem. Occurrence in the New Testament Mark 14:8 records the verb’s single appearance: “She has done what she could; she has anointed My body in advance of My burial” (Berean Standard Bible). Mary of Bethany’s act, performed in Bethany during Passion Week, sets the only canonical precedent for this specific term. The unique usage highlights a deed so significant that Jesus wove it into the gospel’s enduring proclamation (Mark 14:9). Old Testament Background of Fragrant Anointing 1. Priestly consecration: Exodus 30:22–33 describes holy anointing oil that was never to be duplicated or applied to the common person. Christological Significance Mary’s action anticipates Jesus’ death and burial, uniting royal honor, priestly consecration, and sacrificial preparation in one gesture. The fragrance filled the house (John 12:3), portraying the gospel’s reach. By accepting the costly perfume, Jesus affirmed His identity as the anointed King-Priest who would give His life “as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Fragrance Imagery in Scripture • Song of Solomon 1:3: “Your name is perfume poured out.” Together these texts frame Mark 14:8 within a canonical motif: divine love expressed through a scent that permeates and transforms. Devotional Implications 1. Extravagant Worship: True devotion values Christ above material cost (Matthew 13:46). Missional and Ecclesial Applications Church history notes believers who used tangible beauty—art, music, acts of mercy—to point to the incomparable worth of Christ. Local congregations today mirror Mary’s example when they invest resources, time, and giftedness in ministries that lift high the crucified and risen Lord, trusting that the “aroma” will draw many to salvation. Doctrinal Reflections • Incarnation: The physical act affirms the goodness of created substances enlisted for sacred purpose. Summary Strong’s Greek 3462, though appearing only once, captures a moment where worship, prophecy, and redemption converge. Mary’s anointing proclaims Jesus as the fragrant sacrifice, calls believers to wholehearted devotion, and assures the world that the gospel’s aroma will never fade. Forms and Transliterations μυρισαι μυρίσαι murisai myrisai myrísaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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