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Unguent, often referred to as ointment or perfume in biblical texts, plays a significant role in the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel and the broader Near Eastern context. These aromatic substances were typically composed of oils and fragrant spices, used for anointing, medicinal purposes, and as offerings in religious ceremonies.

Biblical References and Uses

1.Anointing and Consecration: Unguents were integral in the anointing of priests, kings, and sacred objects. The anointing oil, a specific type of unguent, was used to consecrate individuals and items for holy purposes. InExodus 30:22-25, God instructs Moses on the preparation of a sacred anointing oil: "Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a holy anointing oil."

2.Medicinal Use: Unguents were also used for their healing properties. The parable of the Good Samaritan inLuke 10:34 illustrates this, where the Samaritan uses oil and wine to tend to the wounds of the injured man: "He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine."

3.Burial Practices: Unguents were employed in burial customs to honor the deceased and mask the odor of decay. InJohn 19:39-40, Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes to prepare Jesus' body for burial: "Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom."

4.Symbol of Joy and Celebration: Unguents were used in festive occasions and as a symbol of joy and gladness.Psalm 45:7-8 speaks of the anointing with the oil of joy: "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad."

5.Expression of Devotion: In the New Testament, unguents are associated with acts of devotion and worship. InMark 14:3-9, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, an act that Jesus commends: "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head."

Cultural and Religious Significance

Unguent in biblical times was not merely a luxury but held deep spiritual and cultural significance. It was a symbol of honor, healing, and divine favor. The preparation and use of unguents were often associated with skilled craftsmanship, as seen in the role of perfumers in creating these aromatic substances. The use of unguents in anointing rituals underscored the belief in the sanctifying power of these substances, setting apart individuals and objects for God's service.

In summary, unguents in the Bible are multifaceted, serving practical, ceremonial, and symbolic purposes. They reflect the rich tapestry of ancient Near Eastern life and the profound spiritual truths embedded in the biblical narrative.(n.) An ointment or salve for sores, burns, or the like.3462. murizo -- to anoint
... Word Origin from muron Definition to anoint NASB Word Usage anointed (1). anoint.
From muron; to apply (perfumed)unguent to -- anoint. see GREEK muron....

5545. chrisma -- an anointing, unction
... anointing, unction. From chrio; anunguent or smearing, ie (figuratively) the special
endowment ("chrism") of the Holy Spirit -- anointing, unction....

4842. mirqachath -- an ointment mixture
... From raqach; an aromaticunguent; also anunguent-pot -- prepared by the apothecaries'
art, compound, ointment. see HEBREW raqach. 4841, 4842....

4841. merqachah -- an ointment pot
... Feminine of merqach; abstractly, a seasoning (with spicery); concretely, an
unguent-kettle (for preparing spiced oil) -- pot of ointment, X well....

On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... perfumes,. And with nard.". For a merchant was present. They use, too, the
unguent made from lilies, and that from the cypress. Nard...

The Woman which was a Sinner
... Some, such as true balsam, were worth double their weight in silver; others, like
the spikenard (whether as juice orunguent, along with other ingredients...

Concerning Things done in Illumination.
... c. 38. [235] mupos is theunguent prepared from myrrh, mupothenges is shining with
suchunguent, and murostages (mupos and stazo) dripping with ditto. Ap. Con....

The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha)
... And she had a son, a dealer in unguents, and she gave it to him, saying: See that
thou do not sell this jar ofunguent of nard, even although three hundred...

The Second Epistle. To all the Bishops of the East.
... violated. Footnotes: [2841] Theunguent of oil and balsam used in the
so-called sacrament of confirmation. [See p. 604, supra.]....

There are Various Figures in the Old Testament of the Wood of the...
... And that the stone symbolically proclaimed Christ, we have also proved by many
Scriptures; and that theunguent, whether it was of oil, or of stacte, [2286] or...

The views of Redemption Entertained by These Heretics.
... add these words, "Peace be to all on whom this name rests." After this they anoint
the initiated person with balsam; for they assert that thisunguent is a...

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... the highest grade ointment in the highest priced cruse (John 12:3). The context
here leaves us free to suppose that both the cruse and theunguent were of a...

Christ Anointed by Mary in Bethany. (John, xii. , 1, Seq. )
... It was customary for servants to bring water to wash the feet of the guests; but
Mary bathed them herself, not with water, but with a costlyunguent....

What He Found in the Sacred Books which are not to be Found in...
... certain books, when they had distilled a very few drops of most preciousunguent
on that tiny flame, it is past belief, Romanianus, past belief, and perhaps...

Unguent (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) An ointment or salve for sores, burns, or
the like. Multi-Version ConcordanceUnguent (1 Occurrence)....

Unction (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which is used for anointing; anunguent; an ointment; hence, anything
soothing or lenitive. 3. (n.) Divine or sanctifying grace....

Unhallowed (3 Occurrences)

Unguarded (2 Occurrences)

Ointment (29 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OINTMENT. oint'-ment: The present use of the word
"ointment" is to designate a thickunguent of buttery or tallow-like consistency....

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