Anointing oil in the new testament

In the New Testament, anointing oil is mentioned several times, particularly in the Gospels and the book of James. Here are some key passages:

  1. Jesus' anointing by Mary (Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-8): In this passage, a woman named Mary anoints Jesus' head with expensive perfume, which is described as "anointing oil." This act is seen as a symbol of Jesus' burial and a foreshadowing of his death.
  2. The anointing of Jesus by the woman with the alabaster jar (Luke 7:36-50): In this passage, a woman anoints Jesus' feet with perfume, which is described as "anointing oil." This act is seen as a symbol of Jesus' humility and his willingness to serve others.
  3. The anointing of the sick (James 5:14-15): In this passage, James instructs believers to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord, and to pray for their healing. This practice is seen as a way of seeking healing and restoration.
  4. The anointing of the body (1 John 2:20, 27): In this passage, John writes that believers have been anointed by the Holy Spirit, and that this anointing is a seal of eternal life.

In the New Testament, anointing oil is often associated with the following themes:

It's worth noting that the use of anointing oil in the New Testament is not the same as the use of anointing oil in Jewish tradition, where it was often used for ceremonial purposes, such as consecrating priests and kings. In the New Testament, anointing oil is often used for more practical purposes, such as healing and burial.