Anointing with Oil
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Anointing with oil is a significant practice in the Bible, symbolizing consecration, healing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This ritual is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of ancient Israel and carries profound theological implications throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and sacred objects. The practice signified setting apart individuals or items for God's service. The first explicit mention of anointing is found in Genesis 28:18, where Jacob anoints a stone pillar, marking it as a sacred site. The anointing of priests is detailed in Exodus 30:30, where God commands Moses, "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests."

The anointing of kings is another prominent theme. Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1), and later, David is anointed by Samuel as well (1 Samuel 16:13). This act of anointing was not merely ceremonial but was believed to impart the Spirit of the Lord, empowering the anointed for their God-given roles.

Symbolism and Significance

Oil, often olive oil, was a symbol of richness, joy, and health. It represented the Holy Spirit's presence and power. In Isaiah 61:1, the prophet speaks of being anointed by the Spirit of the Lord to bring good news, a passage later fulfilled by Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18). The anointing oil thus became a tangible representation of divine blessing and empowerment.

New Testament Practice

In the New Testament, anointing with oil continues to hold spiritual significance. Jesus' disciples anointed the sick with oil as part of their healing ministry (Mark 6:13). James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick."

This practice underscores the belief in God's power to heal and the role of faith and community in the healing process. Anointing with oil in the New Testament is closely linked to prayer and the invocation of God's presence and intervention.

Theological Implications

Anointing with oil is rich in theological meaning, symbolizing the setting apart of individuals for divine purposes, the impartation of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of God's presence and blessing. It serves as a reminder of God's covenantal relationship with His people and His ongoing work in their lives.

Throughout the Bible, anointing with oil is a multifaceted practice that underscores the sacredness of God's calling and the transformative power of His Spirit. It is a testament to the continuity of God's redemptive work from the Old Testament to the New Testament, culminating in the anointing of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose name itself means "Anointed One."
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 92:10
But my horn shall you exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek
218. aleipho -- anoint.
... 218 () is the ordinary term used for anointing the body with (olive) oil. ... ["Anointing"
(218 ) usually applied olive oil on the , to a guest. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218.htm - 7k

3464. muron -- ointment
... ointment. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: muron Phonetic Spelling:
(moo'-ron) Short Definition: anointing-oil, ointment Definition: anointing-oil ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3464.htm - 7k

5545. chrisma -- an anointing, unction
... Phonetic Spelling: (khris'-mah) Short Definition: an anointing Definition: an anointing.
Cognate: 5545 (from 5548 , "anoint with oil") -- , referring to the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5545.htm - 7k

5548. chrio -- to anoint
... Anointing (literally) involved rubbing olive oil on the head, etc., especially to
present someone as (appointed by God) to serve as prophet, priest or king, etc ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5548.htm - 7k

218b. aleipho -- to anoint
... Word Origin from the same root as lipos (fat, oil) Definition to anoint NASB Word
Usage anoint (3), anointed (3), anointing (3). 218a, 218b. aleipho. 219 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218b.htm - 5k

Strong's Hebrew
3323. yitshar -- fresh oil
... anointed oil. From tsahar; oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing -- +
anointed oil. see HEBREW tsahar. 3322, 3323. yitshar. 3324 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/3323.htm - 6k

4886. mashach -- to smear, anoint
... root Definition to smear, anoint NASB Word Usage anoint (21), anointed (42),
anointing (1), oil (1), painting (1), spread (4). anoint, paint. ...
/hebrew/4886.htm - 6k

8081. shemen -- fat, oil
... shaman; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively,
richness -- anointing, X fat (things), X fruitful, oil((-ed)), ointment ...
/hebrew/8081.htm - 6k

4887. meshach -- oil
... oil. Word Origin (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to mashach Definition
oil NASB Word Usage anointing oil (1), oil (1). oil. (Aramaic ...
/hebrew/4887.htm - 6k

5480. cuwk -- to pour (in anointing), anoint
... to pour (in anointing), anoint. Transliteration: cuwk Phonetic Spelling: (sook)
Short Definition ... A primitive root; properly, to smear over (with oil), ie Anoint ...
/hebrew/5480.htm - 5k

Library

James v. 14-18
... a symbolical transaction,"practised indeed in many churches of the East, but never
prescribed as a general usage,"the anointing with oil; of which Christ ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james v 14-18.htm

Whether Olive Oil is a Suitable Matter for this Sacrament?
... Further, spiritual healing is signified by anointing with oil, as is evident from
Is.1:6 where we read: " . . . swelling sores: they are not . . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether olive oil is a.htm

On the Sacraments in General
... Again, in Confirmation the outward sign is the anointing with oil, the
Bishop's prayer, and the placing of his hands upon us. Now ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 13 on the sacraments.htm

Whether the Oil Ought to be Consecrated?
... say that this sacrament consists in the anointing itself, just as Baptism consists
in the washing, and that the matter of this sacrament is consecrated oil. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the oil ought to.htm

(On the Mysteries. Ii. )
... suffices both for anointing, and for a seal, and for a confession of Him who died,
or indeed is dying with us." The previous anointing "with oil sanctified by ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xx on the mysteries.htm

Rom. I. 1, 2
... Touch not," it says, "Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm" (Psalm 105:15),
but at that time the institution of anointing with oil did not yet even exist. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily i rom i 1.htm

Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism.
... remission of sins, and into the kingdom of heaven, and into the life of the world
to come.' And after this vow he comes in order to the anointing with oil.". ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter iv ceremonies of baptism and.htm

On the Instruction of Catechumens, and their Initiation into ...
... And after this vow, he comes in order to the anointing with oil. A Thanksgiving
Concerning the Anointing with the Mystical Oil. XLII. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii on the instruction of.htm

Apostolic Traditions Generally in Abeyance.
... James 5:14, 15. 3. Anointing with Oil and Muron in Baptism. 4. Anointing
with Muron for Consecration. 5. Trine immersion in Baptism. ...
/.../ecclesiastical hierarchy/apostolic traditions generally in abeyance.htm

November 27. "And the Remnant of the Oil . . . Shall Pour Upon the ...
... The former anointing was from the oil in the hand of the priest, but the
latter was to be from the log, or vessel of oil itself. ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /november 27 and the remnant.htm

Resources
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

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Subtopics

Anointing

Anointing in Consecration of High Priests

Anointing in Consecration of Kings

Anointing in Consecration of Priests

Anointing in Consecration of Prophets

Anointing in Consecration of the Tabernacle

Anointing in Consecration: Altars of

Anointing in Consecration: Cyrus

Anointing in Consecration: David

Anointing in Consecration: Hazael

Anointing in Consecration: Jacob's Pillar: At Beth-El

Anointing in Consecration: Jehoahaz

Anointing in Consecration: Jehu

Anointing in Consecration: Joash

Anointing in Consecration: Saul

Anointing in Consecration: Solomon

Anointing in Consecration: Vessels of

Anointing of Christ's Kingly and Priestly office

Anointing of Guests

Anointing of Jesus, As a Token of Love

Anointing of Spiritual Gifts

Anointing of the Body

Anointing of the Dead

Anointing of the Holy Spirit is Abiding in Saints

Anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: God Preserves Those Who Receive

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Guides Into all Truth

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Foretold

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Fulfilled

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Typified

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing Oil

Anointing Oil: Formula of, Given by Moses

Anointing was Applied to The Eyes

Anointing was Applied to The Face

Anointing was Applied to The Feet

Anointing was Applied to The Head

Anointing was Used for Curing the Sick

Anointing was Used for Decorating the Person

Anointing was Used for Healing Wounds

Anointing was Used for Preparing the Dead for Burial

Anointing was Used for Preparing Weapons for War

Anointing was Used for Purifying the Body

Anointing was Used for Refreshing the Body

Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of

Anointing with Oil

Anointing with Ointment

Anointing: A Token of Joy

Anointing: Deprivation of, Threatened As a Punishment

Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive

Anointing: Neglect of, to Guests, a Mark of Disrespect

Anointing: Ointment For: An Article of Commerce

Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive

Anointing: Ointment For: Neglected in Times of Affliction

Anointing: Ointment For: Prepared by the Apothecary

Anointing: Ointment For: Richly Perfumed

Anointing: Omitted in Mourning

Anointing: Saints Receive

Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus

Anointing: Typified

Anointing: Why Recommended by Christ in Times of Fasting

Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of

Sacred Anointing: Consecrates to God's Service

Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Christ With the Holy Spirit

Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Saints With the Holy Spirit

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: An Holy Anointing Oil for Ever

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Compounded by the Priests

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Divinely Prescribed

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Jews Condemned for Imitating

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Not to be Imitated

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: To be Put on No Stranger

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Kings

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Priests

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Prophets

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Altar

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Laver

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Tabernacle

Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of not to be Injured or Insulted

Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of Protected by God

Related Terms

Anointing-portion (1 Occurrence)

Anointing-oil (1 Occurrence)

Fragrant (30 Occurrences)

Drugs (8 Occurrences)

Anoint (59 Occurrences)

Ointment (29 Occurrences)

Spices (64 Occurrences)

Unction (2 Occurrences)

Consecrated (101 Occurrences)

Anointed (132 Occurrences)

Sweet (147 Occurrences)

Perfumer (4 Occurrences)

Blended (5 Occurrences)

Compounder (3 Occurrences)

Compound (3 Occurrences)

Anointeth (6 Occurrences)

Incense (167 Occurrences)

Spice (25 Occurrences)

Abstinence (2 Occurrences)

Sacred (140 Occurrences)

Office (64 Occurrences)

Priest's (75 Occurrences)

Lighting (9 Occurrences)

Iscariot (11 Occurrences)

Furnishings (22 Occurrences)

Falsehood (107 Occurrences)

Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences)

Teaches (24 Occurrences)

Teacheth (22 Occurrences)

Mixture (16 Occurrences)

Blend (2 Occurrences)

Cassia (3 Occurrences)

Cinnamon (4 Occurrences)

Compounded (2 Occurrences)

Continuing (24 Occurrences)

Counterfeit (3 Occurrences)

Allotted (54 Occurrences)

Apothecary (4 Occurrences)

Abideth (66 Occurrences)

Sanctifieth (21 Occurrences)

Spice-perfume (5 Occurrences)

Screen (26 Occurrences)

Oil (281 Occurrences)

Union (24 Occurrences)

Martha (12 Occurrences)

Fasting (34 Occurrences)

Perfume (202 Occurrences)

Poured (155 Occurrences)

Instruction (117 Occurrences)

Real (26 Occurrences)

Furniture (24 Occurrences)

Portion (227 Occurrences)

Sickness (40 Occurrences)

Remains (118 Occurrences)

Sprinkled (55 Occurrences)

Entrance (190 Occurrences)

Sanctified (105 Occurrences)

Presented (114 Occurrences)

Perpetual (57 Occurrences)

Opening (242 Occurrences)

Consecrate (65 Occurrences)

Therein (269 Occurrences)

Hanging (82 Occurrences)

Garments (232 Occurrences)

Fast (157 Occurrences)

Judas (42 Occurrences)

Doorway (221 Occurrences)

Sick (117 Occurrences)

Abide (162 Occurrences)

Covering (191 Occurrences)

Minister (150 Occurrences)

Generations (148 Occurrences)

Hallowed (86 Occurrences)

Hallow (69 Occurrences)

Olive (61 Occurrences)

Samuel (129 Occurrences)

Door (249 Occurrences)

Priest (500 Occurrences)

Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of
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