Anointing oil is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, both in the Old Testament and New Testament. It served important symbolic and spiritual purposes in biblical times. Here is an overview of some of the key things the Bible says about anointing oil:
Purpose and Usage of Anointing Oil
In the Old Testament, anointing oil was used to consecrate priests and kings for service. Exodus 30:22-33 describes the special oil God commanded Moses to make for anointing the tabernacle, ark of the covenant, and priests. This holy anointing oil was to be used only for God’s purposes and not reproduced for personal use (Exodus 30:31-33). Leviticus 8:10-12 records how Moses anointed Aaron and his sons with oil to consecrate them as priests. 1 Samuel 10:1 and 16:13 describe Samuel anointing Saul and David with oil as part of their inauguration as king over Israel.
This act of anointing leaders and objects with oil was a way of setting them apart for God’s work and purposes. The anointing oil symbolized God equipping and empowering those who were anointed for the leadership roles He called them to. As Psalm 133:2 says, the precious oil running down Aaron’s head and beard represents the blessing and favor of God.
In the New Testament, anointing oil is sometimes connected with healing of the sick. Mark 6:13 says the 12 disciples “anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” James 5:14 instructs church elders to anoint the sick with oil while praying over them in faith for healing.
However, the New Testament references to anointing oil likely did not always involve literal olive oil. The anointing by God’s Spirit is what matters most. As 1 John 2:20 says, believers in Christ have received a special “anointing from the Holy One” (the Holy Spirit) that remains on them.
Ingredients of the Anointing Oil
Exodus 30:22-25 provides the exact recipe for the sacred anointing oil that was to be used only by the priests to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings. God instructed Moses to make this oil with:
- 500 shekels of liquid myrrh
- Half as much (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon
- 250 shekels of fragrant cane
- 500 shekels of cassia
- A hin of olive oil
A shekel was a unit of weight, while a hin was a unit of volume. The oil was to be mixed with these spices and perfumes to create a unique and holy anointing oil that was not to be used for any common purpose.
Jesus was Anointed Before His Death
Jesus was anointed with oil twice by women in the days leading up to His crucifixion. Both incidents carry spiritual significance:
- Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume – John 12:3 describes Mary taking expensive pure nard perfume worth a year’s wages, anointing Jesus’ feet with it, and wiping his feet with her hair. Jesus said this was to prepare his body ahead of time for burial.
- An unnamed woman anointing Jesus’ head – Mark 14:3 and Matthew 26:7 tell of an unnamed woman pouring expensive ointment over Jesus’ head while he was at the house of Simon the Leper in Bethany. Disciples complained this was wasteful but Jesus said it was a beautiful act done to prepare his body for burial.
Both acts of anointing pointed to Jesus’ upcoming death and burial. He accepted this honor and understood the symbolic importance of being anointed in anticipation of His sacrifice on the cross.
We Have God’s Anointing by the Spirit
While the act of anointing with literal oil was important in the Old Testament, the New Testament emphasizes the spiritual anointing we have received:
- 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – God anointed believers in Christ by putting His Spirit in their hearts as a guarantee of future blessing.
- 1 John 2:20 – As Christians we have an anointing from the Holy One and know the truth.
- 1 John 2:27 – The anointing from God remains in believers and teaches us all things.
These verses assure us that all Christians have received a special anointing from God by His Spirit. We do not need a physical anointing with oil to experience God’s power, blessing, and sanctification in our lives. By faith in Christ, we already have the greater spiritual anointing promised in the New Testament.
How Oil Represents God’s Spirit
Oil was used anciently for lighting, cooking, medicine, and religious ceremonies. Here are some ways oil symbolizes or represents the work of God’s Spirit:
- Lighting – Oil fuels lamps that provide light in darkness. So the Holy Spirit illuminates our hearts and minds with truth and wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).
- Cooking – Oil enhances flavor in food and aids cooking. Similarly, God’s Spirit makes the Bread of Life (the Word of God) more enriching to our souls.
- Medicine – Oil was sometimes used as a salve to treat wounds. In the same way, the Spirit comforts, encourages, and brings healing to our hearts.
- Consecration – Anointing priests and kings set them apart for special service to God. The Holy Spirit consecrates believers to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Through these natural properties and uses of oil, we can better understand the outpoured Spirit described in Scripture. His work makes God’s presence more tangible and real in our walk of faith.
Key Bible Verses About Anointing Oil
Here are some important Bible passages that mention anointing with oil:
Exodus 30:22-25 – The LORD said to Moses, “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.
Leviticus 8:12 – And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.
1 Samuel 16:13 – Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.
Psalm 45:7 – You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.
Mark 6:13 – And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
James 5:14 – Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
1 John 2:20 – But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
Lessons We Can Learn from Biblical Anointing Oil
Here are some key lessons the Bible’s teaching on anointing oil can imprint upon our hearts:
- God takes His worship seriously and desires it be done according to His instructions, not man’s innovations. The specific recipe and uses for the anointing oil were commanded by God.
- God equips and qualifies those He calls to special service for Him. The anointing oil was a visual representation of the Spirit’s empowering presence on leaders like priests and kings.
- Our human resources, no matter how expensive and seemingly wasteful, are worth pouring out to honor Christ. Just as the women anointed Jesus with costly perfume, no sacrifice or act of worship is too extravagant for the Son of God.
- All believers in Christ have access to the empowering, enlightening Holy Spirit – no special anointing oil needed. By faith in Christ, we already have everything we need pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
As we reflect on the biblical significance of anointing oil, may our hearts be drawn to deeper worship of our glorious Savior Jesus Christ. He alone is the source of all spiritual blessing and power for a godly life.
Common Questions about Anointing Oil
Should we use anointing oil today?
Some Christian traditions practice literal anointing with oil today, usually associated with praying for healing or spiritual strengthening. However, the New Testament does not command the ritual use of oil in this way. The spiritual anointing we have in Christ through the Spirit is what’s most important.
What kind of oil was used for anointing in the Bible?
Olive oil was the most common oil used for anointing priests, kings, and the tabernacle furniture. The special holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30 included olive oil mixed with exotic spices.
How was anointing oil applied?
Anointing was often done by pouring oil over the head. It could also include rubbing or wiping oil on specific parts of the body. The oil was applied externally and did not involve drinking it.
Where did the anointing oil ingredients come from?
Ingredients like myrrh, cinnamon, cane, and olive oil would have been imported from trade with other nations. God provided detailed instructions for a unique sacred recipe not to be duplicated for ordinary use.
Why was Jesus anointed before His death?
Jesus said the anointing by Mary and the unnamed woman prepared His body ahead of time for burial. Their costly perfume pointed ahead to His death and demonstrated their love and honor for Him.
Do I need anointing oil to be healed?
No, the New Testament does not present oil as a requisite for divine healing. The healing power is from God alone. Anointing oil may be a tool to focus faith, but the oil itself has no supernatural power.
What oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit?
While actual olive oil was used in biblical times, any kind of oil can symbolize or represent the work of the Spirit in our lives. Oil provides illumination, flavor, nourishment, and comfort – all perfect emblems of God’s Spirit.
Conclusion
Anointing oil serves as a rich biblical symbol of consecration, healing, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Studying how oil was used in Scripture helps us reflect more deeply on God’s desire to set us apart for His purposes. While ritual use of anointing oil is not commanded in the New Testament, the spiritual truth it represents remains relevant. By faith in Christ, we have already received the anointing and indwelling of the Holy Spirit for eternal blessing and service to God.
