ἀλείφω

I anoint

Definition

The verb ἀλείφω means to anoint by rubbing or smearing a substance, typically oil or perfume, onto a person or object. In the New Testament, it carries several distinct senses: it can refer to the common practice of anointing oneself with oil for personal grooming or refreshment (Matthew 6:17), to the medicinal application of oil for healing (Mark 6:13, James 5:14), or to the act of anointing a body as part of burial preparation (Mark 16:1). It is also used for acts of honor and devotion, such as when a woman anoints Jesus' feet with perfume (Luke 7:38, John 12:3).

Biblical Usage

ἀλείφω is used eight times across the Gospels and James, primarily describing physical actions with symbolic or practical significance. In the Gospels, it appears in narratives of hospitality (Luke 7:46), devotion (John 12:3), healing (Mark 6:13), and burial (Mark 16:1). The sole non-Gospel usage is in James 5:14, where it prescribes anointing the sick with oil for healing in a church context. The word consistently depicts a tangible, personal act, often with emotional or ritual overtones.

Etymology

Derived from the root λείφω (to anoint, smear), with an intensive prefix ἀ-, the word literally means 'to smear over.' It is a common Greek term for applying oil or ointment, distinct from the more formal or ceremonial χρίω (chriō, G5548). Its meaning remained stable, covering both everyday and ritual applications of oil.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects ordinary physical care with spiritual realities. In James 5:14, anointing with oil is linked to prayer and divine healing within the community of faith. In the Gospels, acts of anointing Jesus (e.g., Luke 7:38, John 12:3) are profound expressions of honor, repentance, and devotion, prefiguring his burial (Mark 14:8). Understanding ἀλείφω highlights how God's grace often works through tangible, human acts of mercy and worship.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, anointing with oil was a multifaceted practice. Olive oil was used daily for skincare and hygiene (as in Matthew 6:17), medicinally to soothe wounds (Luke 10:34), and in burial rites to honor the deceased and mask odors. Anointing a guest with perfumed oil was a sign of hospitality and respect. These cultural norms give depth to the biblical narratives, showing that the actions described were familiar yet charged with new meaning in the context of Jesus' ministry.

χρίω (chriō, G5548) — a more formal, often ritual or symbolic term for anointing, used for consecrating kings, priests, or the Messiah. μυρίζω (myrizō, G3462) — to apply perfume or myrrh, often overlapping with ἀλείφω in contexts of anointing for burial (Mark 16:1).

Word Details

Scripture References