The practice of anointing the dead, while not explicitly detailed as a ritual in the Bible, is rooted in the broader biblical tradition of anointing and burial customs. Anointing, in general, is a significant biblical practice, symbolizing consecration, purification, and the impartation of God's blessing or presence. The anointing of the dead, therefore, can be understood within this context as a gesture of honor and respect, preparing the body for burial.

Biblical Context and References

The Bible provides several instances that imply the use of spices and ointments in the preparation of bodies for burial, though it does not explicitly describe a formal "anointing of the dead." In the New Testament, the most notable reference is the preparation of Jesus' body after His crucifixion. In John 19:39-40 , Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea are described as bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds, to anoint Jesus' body: "Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom."

This passage highlights the Jewish custom of using spices and ointments in burial practices, which can be seen as a form of anointing. The use of myrrh and aloes was intended to honor the deceased and mitigate the odor of decay, reflecting a deep respect for the body as God's creation.

Old Testament Practices

In the Old Testament, anointing is primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and sacred objects. However, the use of spices and perfumes in burial is also noted. For example, in 2 Chronicles 16:14 , the burial of King Asa is described: "They buried him in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier covered with spices and various blended perfumes, and they made a great fire in his honor."

While this does not explicitly mention anointing, the use of spices and perfumes in burial aligns with the broader cultural practices of the time, which included anointing as a sign of honor and reverence.

Cultural and Historical Background

The anointing of the dead in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, was part of a broader set of burial customs. These practices were deeply rooted in the belief in the sanctity of the body and the hope of resurrection. The use of oils and spices was not only practical, serving to preserve the body temporarily, but also symbolic, reflecting the belief in the dignity of the human person created in the image of God.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the anointing of the dead can be seen as an expression of the Christian hope in the resurrection. By treating the body with honor and care, believers affirm their faith in the promise of eternal life and the future resurrection of the body. This practice underscores the belief that the body, though mortal, is destined for immortality through Christ.

In summary, while the Bible does not prescribe a specific ritual of anointing the dead, the practice is consistent with biblical themes of honor, respect, and hope in the resurrection. It reflects a continuity with the broader tradition of anointing as a sign of God's blessing and presence, even in death.Matthew 26:12
For in that she has poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 14:8
She has done what she could: she is come beforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 16:1
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 23:56
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Nave's Topical Index

218. aleipho -- anoint.
... aleipho Phonetic Spelling: (al-i'-fo) Short Definition: I anoint Definition: I anoint:
festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218.htm - 7k

The Anointing of Jesus.
... I. THE ANOINTING OF JESUS. "Jesus therefore six days before the Passover came
to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead. ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/i the anointing of jesus.htm

Whether Suffrages Offered by the Living for the Dead Profit those ...
... Therefore if one who by suffrages has paid the debt of a dead person is ... holy oil,
first of all he, " namely the anointer, "shares in the anointing and thus ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether suffrages offered by the.htm

The Grave of the Dead John and the Grave of the Living Jesus
... The women come to the grave to perform the woman's office of anointing, and they ...
for the change and heightening of the disciples' thoughts about their dead Lord ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the grave of the dead.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... was deposited, and its bearers gathered to do the last offices for the Dead. ... in the
fragrant mixture well known to the Jews for puroses of anointing or burying ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

On the Sacraments in General
... Again, in Confirmation the outward sign is the anointing with oil, the Bishop's ... grace
are Baptism and Penance; and they are called Sacraments of the dead. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 13 on the sacraments.htm

"Why Weepest Thou?"
... No need now for the anointing spices. The Saviour is living, and not dead. They
remember now that when speaking of His death He said that He would rise again. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 82 why weepest thou.htm

On the Instruction of Catechumens, and their Initiation into ...
... again is to come at the end of the world with glory to judge the quick and the dead,
of whose ... And after this vow, he comes in order to the anointing with oil. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii on the instruction of.htm

Continuation of the Foregoing Argument Proofs from the Writings of ...
... came death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead." And everywhere ... because
He hath anointed me," [3647] "pointing out both the anointing Father, the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii continuation of the foregoing.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ.
... Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to ... contain the one lesson, that it was by the especial anointing with the ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xxii the work of.htm

Christ not the Father, as Praxeas Said the Inconsistency of this ...
... the latter is only an adjunct, predicable of Him from His anointing,"thus suggesting ...
through every passage, He "who raised up Christ from the dead, and is ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xxviii christ not the father.htm

What was the significance of anointing spices in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.org

What is grave sucking / grave soaking / mantle grabbing? | GotQuestions.org

Anointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus