Anointing with ointment is a significant practice in the biblical narrative, symbolizing consecration, honor, and the impartation of divine favor. This act is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the ancient Near East and holds profound theological implications throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, anointing with oil or ointment was primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and sacred objects. The practice signified setting apart individuals or items for God's service. Exodus 30:22-30 provides a detailed account of the holy anointing oil, a sacred mixture used to consecrate the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the priests. The LORD instructed Moses, "You are to anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests" (Exodus 30:30).

The anointing of kings is another prominent theme. Samuel anointed Saul and later David as kings over Israel, marking them as chosen by God (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13). The anointing was a divine endorsement, conferring authority and the Holy Spirit's empowerment for leadership.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, anointing with ointment takes on additional layers of meaning, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. One of the most notable instances is the anointing of Jesus by a woman in Bethany. In Matthew 26:6-13, a woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume, an act Jesus commends as preparation for His burial: "When she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial" (Matthew 26:12).

This anointing is significant for several reasons. It acknowledges Jesus' messianic identity, as the term "Messiah" means "Anointed One." It also foreshadows His impending death and burial, highlighting the sacrificial nature of His mission.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Anointing with ointment carries rich symbolic meaning. It represents the Holy Spirit's presence and work, as seen in the anointing of Jesus, who declared, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18). This connection between anointing and the Holy Spirit underscores the divine empowerment and sanctification of individuals for God's purposes.

Furthermore, anointing with ointment is an expression of honor and devotion. The act of anointing Jesus in Bethany was a profound gesture of love and reverence, demonstrating the woman's recognition of His divine nature and her willingness to offer her best to Him.

Practical and Ritualistic Aspects

In biblical times, anointing with ointment also had practical and ritualistic aspects. Ointments were used for personal grooming, medicinal purposes, and as a sign of hospitality. In Luke 7:36-50, a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with ointment, an act of repentance and worship. Jesus acknowledges her faith and forgives her sins, illustrating the transformative power of sincere devotion.

Conclusion

Anointing with ointment in the Bible is a multifaceted practice that encompasses consecration, honor, and divine empowerment. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence and favor, both in the lives of individuals and in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Through anointing, the Scriptures reveal the profound connection between the physical act and the spiritual realities it represents.John 11:2
(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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 - 7k4888b. mishchah -- ointment, consecrated portion
... Word Origin from mashach Definition ointment, consecrated portion NASB Word Usage
anointing (22), which is consecrated (2). 4888a, 4888b. mishchah. 4889 . ...
/hebrew/4888b.htm - 5k

5480a. suk -- to pour (in anointing), anoint
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to pour (in anointing), anoint NASB Word Usage
anoint (4), anointed (3), poured (1), use any ointment (1). 5480, 5480a. ...
/hebrew/5480a.htm - 5k

8081. shemen -- fat, oil
... 1). anointing, fat things, fruitful, oiled, ointment, olive, pine. From
shaman; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often ...
/hebrew/8081.htm - 6k

Anointing the Feet of Jesus.
... tenderly wiped them away with her long hair; then she kissed the Saviour's feet,
and anointed them with the fragrant ointment. ... Illustration: ANOINTING THE FEET ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/anointing the feet of jesus.htm

Anointing.
... Book I. Chapter XLVI."Anointing. ... 579] was anointed with a composition of chrism,
which was made after the pattern of that spiritual ointment of which we have ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xlvi anointing.htm

The Anointing of Jesus.
... I. THE ANOINTING OF JESUS. ... Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of spikenard,
very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/i the anointing of jesus.htm

Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism.
... simple oil that we may be made Christs (Christoi), but with the ointment in remembrance
of our Saviour Christ, who regarded the anointing with ointment as His ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter iv ceremonies of baptism and.htm

On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... different from anointing one's self with ointment. The former is effeminate,
while anointing with ointment is in some cases beneficial. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii on the use of.htm

Petilianus Said: "But He Thus Praises the Ointment of Concord ...
... It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard ... For
that priesthood in the body of Christ had an anointing, and its salvation is ...
/.../chapter 105 238 petilianus.htm

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
... chastisement as a fellowship in the way of the rent flesh: be sure the anointing
will flow in union with Jesus. 'It is like the precious ointment upon the head ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/thirtieth day the unction from.htm

Of the Concord Between Matthew, Mark, and John in their Notices of ...
... Lord's] feet were anointed before the vessel itself was broken, and that it thus
remained whole, and filled with ointment sufficient for the anointing also of ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxxix of the concord between.htm

The Cruse of Ointment
... Therefore she produced a cruse of very precious ointment, which had been "kept"
for Him ... of the embalming of the body, as the others of the anointing of the head ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 1-9 the cruse of.htm

Unxia, My Opponent Says, Presides Over the Anointing of Door-Posts ...
... Unxia, my opponent says, presides over the anointing of door-posts; Cinxia over ... brides
did not besmear their husbands' door-posts with greasy ointment; were it ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/25 unxia my opponent says.htm

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