Topical Bible: Anointing was Applied to The Feet

Bible > Topical > Anointing was Applied to The Feet

◄ Anointing was Applied to The Feet ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, anointing was a significant act often associated with consecration, healing, and hospitality. While anointing the head was more common, the anointing of feet holds particular significance in Scripture, symbolizing humility, devotion, and service.

Biblical Instances:

1. Mary of Bethany Anoints Jesus' Feet:
One of the most notable instances of anointing the feet is found in the Gospel of John. Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume. John 12:3 states, "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." This act of devotion and worship is significant for its demonstration of Mary's deep love and reverence for Jesus. It also prefigures Jesus' impending death and burial, as He Himself acknowledges in John 12:7.

2. The Sinful Woman in Luke:
Another profound example is found in Luke 7:37-38 , where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet. "When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume." This act of repentance and love is met with forgiveness from Jesus, highlighting the transformative power of grace and the acceptance of a repentant heart.

Symbolism and Significance:

· Humility and Service:
Anointing the feet is a profound act of humility. In the cultural context of the Bible, feet were considered the dirtiest part of the body due to the dusty roads and sandals worn. By anointing Jesus' feet, both Mary and the sinful woman demonstrate a willingness to humble themselves completely in service and adoration.

· Preparation for Burial:
In the case of Mary of Bethany, Jesus explicitly connects her act to His burial. In John 12:7 , Jesus says, "Leave her alone; she has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial." This indicates that the anointing of His feet was not only an act of love but also a prophetic gesture acknowledging His forthcoming sacrifice.

· Expression of Love and Devotion:
The anointing of feet is an intimate and personal expression of love and devotion. It signifies a deep personal connection and recognition of Jesus' divine authority and mission. The act of wiping His feet with hair, as both Mary and the sinful woman did, further emphasizes the personal sacrifice and vulnerability involved in true worship.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, anointing was a common practice for guests as a sign of hospitality and honor. However, the anointing of feet, particularly with costly perfume, goes beyond customary hospitality, indicating a deeper spiritual significance. It reflects the anointer's recognition of Jesus' unique role as the Messiah and their personal commitment to Him.

Theological Implications:

The anointing of Jesus' feet serves as a powerful reminder of the call to humility and service in the Christian life. It challenges believers to consider their own acts of devotion and the ways in which they honor Christ. The narratives also underscore the theme of forgiveness and redemption, as seen in Jesus' response to the sinful woman, affirming that no act of genuine repentance and love goes unnoticed by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 7:38,39
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 12:3
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

218. aleipho -- anoint.
... Oil was also applied to the feet to soothe and show (courtesy, respect). Anointing
shares a "penetrating comfort" to impart strength and healing ().]. anoint. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218.htm - 7k

Library

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... The anointing at Bethany was therefore a different occasion ... but the name "alabaster"
was still applied to such ... 38 and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm

Whether the Parts to be Anointed are Suitably Assigned?
... the remedy for sin should be applied where sin ... on account of the appetite), and the
feet are anointed ... first principle of human activity, the anointing of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the parts to be.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... for the priests' use, in washing hands and feet before ministering ... of the Tabernacle
and its vessels by the anointing oil which, when applied to inanimate ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... The anointing oil was also to be applied to the ... that they may do the work of God
in all righteousness, and goodness and truth; and as to our feet, that they ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

Consecration and Dedication
... consecration of Aaron and his sons the anointing oil and ... and the Holy Spirit will
never be applied to the ... of itself and sacred treasures at the feet of Jesus. ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter iii consecration and dedication.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... the living waters' in Zechariah 14:8; wash your feet,' with Is ... to the King Messiah,
on whose account the anointing oil was ... xxvi.13 is applied to Messianic times ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

The Woman which was a Sinner
... But, such twofold anointing - the first, at the beginning of His ... so much for so much -
let it be applied to the ... To wash the feet of a guest, to give him the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxi the woman which.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... might wash their hands and feet before entering ... should be consecrated with any bodily
anointing, bodily sacrifices ... are, properly speaking, things applied to the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
... city of Israel from their clothes or feet was to ... This anointing was omitted when
they were sick and when ... just before the word was spoken, the oil was applied. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxi third circuit of galilee.htm

Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism.
... the very hairs your head to your feet [178] ." The ... as a sacramental act representing
the anointing of Jesus by ... And this ointment is symbolically applied to thy ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter iv ceremonies of baptism and.htm