Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:In the Bible, oils hold significant cultural, religious, and practical importance. They are mentioned frequently throughout the Scriptures, serving various purposes from anointing and healing to cooking and lighting. Oils, particularly olive oil, are deeply embedded in the daily life and spiritual practices of the ancient Israelites and early Christians.
Types of Oils:The most commonly referenced oil in the Bible is olive oil, which was a staple in the ancient Near East. Other oils, such as those derived from myrrh, frankincense, and other aromatic plants, are also mentioned, often in the context of anointing or as ingredients in sacred incense.
Uses of Oils:1.
Anointing: Anointing with oil is a significant ritual in the Bible, symbolizing consecration, blessing, and the Holy Spirit's presence. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed to signify their divine appointment. For instance, in
1 Samuel 16:13, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."
2.
Healing: Oils were used for medicinal purposes, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where oil and wine are used to treat wounds (
Luke 10:34).
James 5:14 also 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."
3.
Lighting: Olive oil was used as fuel for lamps, providing light in homes and the temple. In the parable of the ten virgins, the wise virgins took oil for their lamps, highlighting the importance of being prepared (
Matthew 25:1-13).
4.
Offerings and Sacrifices: Oil was a key component in grain offerings and other sacrifices.
Leviticus 2:1 states, "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it."
5.
Cooking and Food: Olive oil was a dietary staple, used in cooking and as a condiment. It is often associated with abundance and blessing, as in
Deuteronomy 8:8, which describes the Promised Land as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey."
Symbolism of Oil:Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and divine blessing throughout the Bible. The anointing oil used in religious ceremonies represents God's presence and favor. In the New Testament, oil continues to symbolize the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives, as seen in the anointing of Jesus by Mary with costly perfume (
John 12:3).
Cultural and Economic Importance:In biblical times, oil was a valuable commodity, essential for trade and daily life. It was used in cooking, as a base for perfumes, and as a trade good. The production and trade of oil were significant economic activities, contributing to the wealth and sustenance of communities.
Conclusion:Oils in the Bible are multifaceted, serving practical, ceremonial, and symbolic roles. They are integral to the religious practices and daily life of biblical peoples, reflecting God's provision and presence.
Strong's Hebrew
8081. shemen -- fat, oil... Word Origin from shamen Definition fat, oil NASB Word Usage choice (1), fatness
(2), fertile (2), fertile* (1), lavish (1), oil (176),
oils (3), ointment (1
...Library
An Exhortation to Love God
... (5). Love facilitates religion. Itoils the wheels of the affections,
and makes them more lively and cheerful in God's service....
Meditation ix. Private Instruction and Consecrations.
... He then spoke concerning the priesthood, the sacred unction, and the preparation
of the Chrism and HolyOils.7 He had there three boxes, two of which contained...
Of the Same Argument.
... suppose, lastly, he had employed bodily things themselves that lack all sense, but
were necessary for that work, as eg corn, and wine, andoils, clothes, or...
General Index
... 76 Holy of holies . . . . . 81 Holyoils . . . . . 291 Holy Orders . . . ....
The Fourth Commandment
... When the falling dust of the world has clogged the wheels of our affections, that
they can scarce move towards God, the Sabbath comes, andoils the wheels of...
Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... Such men may as reasonably suppose that oil made from fat should not float on the
surface in water as olive oil does, because the origin of the twooils is so...
God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart.
... down upon the beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments" (Psalm
133:2),"a figure not very attractive for us who are unfamiliar with perfumedoils....
A Little Jewish Maid.
... Gold and silver, fine clothing, sweet spices, scentedoils, had no real value for
him. They were only a few of the many things he could quite well do without....
At the Front or the Base
... strength. It matters not whether the copy of a great picture be inoils
or an engraving or a photograph, so long as it is a copy....
On Baptism
... The following things must be prepared: the holyoils, a little salt, a little pitcher
or something similar to pour the water from, a vessel to receive the...
Thesaurus
Oils (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Oils (4 Occurrences). Psalms 92
... oil. (See NIV).
Song of Songs 1:3 Your
oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your
...Ointment (29 Occurrences)
... The well-known power ofoils and fats to absorb odors was made use of by the ancient
perfumers.... For the uses of scentedoils or ointments see ANOINTING; OIL....
Perfumer (4 Occurrences)
... Perfumedoils were rubbed on the body and feet. At... censers. In the preparation
of bodies for burial, perfumedoils and spices were used....
Perfume (202 Occurrences)
... Perfumedoils were rubbed on the body and feet. At... censers. In the preparation
of bodies for burial, perfumedoils and spices were used....
Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... Pliny mentions many otheroils which were extracted in Egypt. Theoils were usually
extracted by first crushing the fruit and then pressing the crushed mass....
Oil (281 Occurrences)
... 24:2). The corresponding Arabic zeit, a contraction of zeitun, which is the name
for the olive tree as well as the fruit, is now applied tooils in general, to...
Oil-making
Oil-making. Oilmaking, Oil-making.Oils . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
OIL-MAKING. See CRAFTS, II, 11. Oilmaking, Oil-making.Oils . Reference Bible
Oiltree
Lotions (4 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Amos 6:6 who drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the best
oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. (See NIV)....
Gilead (130 Occurrences)
... of "balsam," a word derived from the Greek balsamon, which was adopted as the
representative of the Hebrew words baal shemen, meaning "lord" or "chief ofoils...
Resources
What does the Bible say about aromatherapy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is chrismation, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian wear perfume / cologne? | GotQuestions.orgOils: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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Bible Thesuarus
