Lexical Summary cuwk: To anoint, to pour over, to cover Original Word: סוּךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance anoint self, at all A primitive root; properly, to smear over (with oil), i.e. Anoint -- anoint (self), X at all. Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [סוּךְ, סִיךְ verb pour in anointing, anoint (Late Hebrew Aramaic סוּךְ anoint); — Qal Perfect2feminine singular וָסַכְתְּ consecutive Ruth 3:3; 1singular סָ֑כְתִּי Daniel 10:3; Imperfect2masculine singular תָּסוּךְ Deuteronomy 28:40; Micah 6:15; 2feminine singular תָּסוּכִי 2 Samuel 14:2; 1singular suffix וָאֲסֻכֵֿךְ Ezekiel 16:9; 3masculine plural suffix וַיְסֻכוּם2Chronicles 28:15; also (probably) 3 masculine singular וַ֫יָּסֶךְ 2 Samuel 12:20 (Ges§ 73f.); Infinitive absolute סוֺךְ Daniel 10:3; apparently Imperfect passive is יִיסָ֔ךְ read יוסך Samaritan, compare Köi. 436 (and not Hoph`al, compare Gesl.c.); — anoint, in the toilet, often after washing; usually 1 reflexive anoint oneself, 2 Samuel 12:20; Ruth 3:3, סוֺךְ לֹאסָֿ֑כְתִּי Daniel 10:3; + שֶׁמֶן as accusative of material 2 Samuel 14:2; Micah 6:15; Deuteronomy 28:40. 2 active, anoint another Ezekiel 16:9 (בַּשֶּׁמֶן), 2 Chronicles 28:15. 3 passive, be poured, Exodus 30:32 (P; subject the sacred oil). Topical Lexicon Scope of Use The verb translated “anoint” or “apply oil” appears nine times, always describing the literal act of rubbing oil on the body. Unlike the term employed for installing kings and priests, this word is used for ordinary grooming, hospitality, and compassionate care. Because the practice was common and culturally understood, Scripture employs it both positively (as a token of blessing) and negatively (withholding it as a sign of judgment or mourning). Daily Grooming and Personal Renewal Oil softened skin in the hot, arid climate and carried pleasant fragrance. Ruth prepared to meet Boaz by bathing and anointing herself (Ruth 3:3). After the death of his child, David “arose from the ground, washed, and anointed himself” (2 Samuel 12:20), signalling the end of mourning and a return to normal life. Such instances show anointing as an act of personal restoration and readiness for new responsibilities. A Sign of Joy and Blessing Olive oil was a staple of Israel’s agricultural wealth. When covenant obedience is promised, the ability to enjoy one’s own produce is implied; conversely, disobedience forfeits that joy. The curse in Deuteronomy warns, “You will have olive trees throughout your territory, but you will not anoint yourself with oil, for your olives will drop off” (Deuteronomy 28:40). Micah repeats the theme: “You will tread olives but not anoint yourself with oil” (Micah 6:15). The presence or absence of anointing thus illustrates the experiential difference between blessing and judgment. Indicator of Mourning and Judgment Refusing oil was a public sign of grief. Joab instructed the woman of Tekoa, “Please put on mourning attire… and do not anoint yourself with oil” (2 Samuel 14:2). Daniel likewise refrained during a three-week fast: “No anointing oil touched my body” (Daniel 10:3). Abstaining from oil paralleled abstaining from rich food or celebration, marking earnest sorrow or spiritual travail before God. Hospitality and Compassionate Care When the men of Ephraim clothed, fed, and healed the Judean captives, they also “anointed them” (2 Chronicles 28:15), demonstrating comprehensive mercy. The Good Samaritan’s later use of oil for wounds reflects the same ethic. In biblical culture, applying oil to another person’s body expressed tangible love, embracing both comfort and medical benefit. Prophetic Allegory and Covenant Relationship Ezekiel’s parable of Jerusalem pictures the Lord rescuing an abandoned infant: “I bathed you with water… and anointed you with oil” (Ezekiel 16:9). The act communicates adoption, cleansing, and adornment—grace lavished upon the unworthy. The physical image carries spiritual weight: God not only forgives but beautifies His people. Fasting, Self-Denial, and Spiritual Warfare Daniel’s abstinence from anointing accompanies intense intercession for Israel. The omission heightens focus on prayer, stripping away comforts that might dull spiritual alertness. The pattern informs Christian practice: voluntary denial of legitimate pleasures can sharpen dependence on the Lord in seasons of critical seeking. Foreshadowing of Messianic Hope Although this verb never designates the formal consecration of kings or priests, its imagery complements messianic expectation. The Servant who is “anointed with the oil of joy” (Psalm 45:7), ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, embodies the restored fellowship and blessing symbolized by everyday anointing. When believers receive the “anointing from the Holy One” (1 John 2:20), the ordinary practice becomes a metaphor for the Spirit’s indwelling life and refreshment. Implications for Christian Ministry Today 1. Pastoral care should reflect the holistic compassion modeled in 2 Chronicles 28:15—addressing physical and emotional needs in Christ’s name. Thus, every occurrence of this verb, whether in blessing, mourning, or prophetic symbol, underscores God’s concern for the whole person and points forward to the ultimate renewal found in the Anointed One. Forms and Transliterations וְס֣וֹךְ וַיְסֻכ֗וּם וַיָּ֗סֶךְ וָאֲסֻכֵ֖ךְ וָסַ֗כְתְּ ואסכך ויסך ויסכום וסוך וסכת סָ֑כְתִּי סכתי תָּס֙וּכִי֙ תָס֔וּךְ תָס֣וּךְ תסוך תסוכי sā·ḵə·tî Sacheti sāḵətî tā·sū·ḵî ṯā·sūḵ taSuch taSuchi ṯāsūḵ tāsūḵî vaasuChech vaiYasech vaSacht vaysuChum veSoch wā’ăsuḵêḵ wā·’ă·su·ḵêḵ wā·saḵt wāsaḵt way·su·ḵūm way·yā·seḵ waysuḵūm wayyāseḵ wə·sō·wḵ wəsōwḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 28:40 HEB: וְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙ לֹ֣א תָס֔וּךְ כִּ֥י יִשַּׁ֖ל NAS: your territory but you will not anoint yourself with the oil, KJV: throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint [thyself] with the oil; INT: the oil you will not anoint for will drop Ruth 3:3 2 Samuel 12:20 2 Samuel 14:2 2 Chronicles 28:15 Ezekiel 16:9 Daniel 10:3 Daniel 10:3 Micah 6:15 9 Occurrences |
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