Pronunciation Guide: ah-LAY-fo

Basic Definition

Strong’s G218: ἀλείφω (aleiphō) means to anoint by rubbing or applying oil, typically for practical, medicinal, or ceremonial purposes. Unlike its more sacred counterpart χρίω (chriō), ἀλείφω generally refers to the common practice of anointing for daily life, hygiene, and hospitality. This distinction helps us understand the cultural significance of various anointing practices in biblical times.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages, particularly in contexts of daily life and hospitality
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Tense: Present, Aorist, Future, Perfect

ἀλείφω Morphology:

• ἀλείφω (present active indicative) – I anoint
• ἀλείφεις (present active indicative) – you anoint
• ἀλείφει (present active indicative) – he/she/it anoints
• ἤλειψα (aorist active indicative) – I anointed
• ἀλείψω (future active indicative) – I will anoint
• ἀλειφθήσομαι (future passive indicative) – I will be anointed

Origin & History

The word ἀλείφω has deep roots in ancient Greek culture, appearing frequently in classical literature to describe both practical and ceremonial applications of oil. In Homer’s Odyssey, it appears in contexts of hospitality where guests were anointed with oil as part of welcome ceremonies. Hippocrates used the term in his medical writings to describe the application of healing ointments.

The distinction between ἀλείφω and χρίω (the more sacred term for anointing) became particularly significant in Hellenistic Judaism, where ἀλείφω maintained its connection to everyday practices while χρίω was reserved for sacred ceremonies.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To anoint by applying oil or ointment
• To rub with oil for medicinal purposes
• To prepare a body for burial through anointing
• To show hospitality through the ceremonial application of oil

ἀλείφω Translation Options:

• “to anoint” – Best used when describing physical application of oil
• “to rub with oil” – Preferred when emphasizing the mechanical action
• “to apply ointment” – Appropriate in medicinal contexts
• “to prepare with oil” – Suitable for ceremonial or burial contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλείφω appears primarily in contexts of daily life, hospitality, and healing. Its first appearance in Matthew 6:17 provides insight into Jewish customs of personal grooming. The word carries significant meaning in passages about Jesus’ ministry and early church practices.

• “But you, when you fast, anoint [ἄλειψαί] your head and wash your face” Matthew 6:17
• “They were anointing [ἤλειφον] with oil many sick people and were healing them” Mark 6:13
• “You did not anoint [ἤλειψας] My head with oil” Luke 7:46
• “Anointing [ἀλείψασα] the feet of Jesus” John 11:2
• “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing [ἀλείψαντες] him with oil” James 5:14

Cultural Insights

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, the practice of anointing with oil served multiple purposes. During times of fasting, Jews would anoint themselves to maintain a normal appearance, following the Messiah’s teaching to avoid displaying their piety. This practice stood in stark contrast to some neighboring cultures where public displays of fasting were common.

The use of oil for anointing was also deeply connected to hospitality customs. When a guest entered a home, the host would often provide oil for anointing – a practice that forms the background for the Messiah’s rebuke of Simon the Pharisee in Luke 7:46.

Theological Significance

While ἀλείφω primarily refers to common anointing, its usage in James 5:14 elevates it to a sacred practice within the early believing community. This demonstrates how the Messiah and His followers often took ordinary elements of daily life and invested them with deeper spiritual significance.

The practice of anointing with oil became a physical symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence and healing power, bridging the physical and spiritual realms. This reflects God’s pattern of using tangible elements to convey spiritual truths, similar to the water of baptism or the bread and wine of communion.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀλείφω reminds us that God often works through ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Just as oil was used both for daily hygiene and sacred healing, our daily routines can become sacred moments of connection with God when done with the right heart attitude.

When we grasp the cultural significance of anointing, we better understand the depth of the Messiah’s teachings about fasting and prayer. It challenges us to consider how our external actions reflect our internal spiritual state.

Related Words

• χρίω (chriō) – to anoint for sacred/official purpose, pronounce as “KHREE-oh” See G5548
• μυρίζω (myrizō) – to anoint with aromatic oils, pronounce as “moo-RID-zo” See G3462
• ἔλαιον (elaion) – olive oil, pronounce as “EL-ah-yon” See G1637
• μύρον (myron) – anointing oil/perfume, pronounce as “MOO-ron” See G3464

Did you Know?

• The practice of anointing with oil in ancient times served as both a practical and spiritual purpose – oil was believed to have medicinal properties while also symbolizing the presence of God’s Spirit.
• The distinction between ἀλείφω and χρίω was so significant that the Septuagint translators consistently used χρίω when translating the Hebrew משח (mashach) in contexts of sacred anointing, while using ἀλείφω for everyday applications of oil.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀλείφω, primarily meaning “to spread” or “to apply,” showing how the word has maintained its practical connotations throughout history.

Remember This

ἀλείφω reminds us that in God’s economy, the ordinary becomes extraordinary when dedicated to His purposes – even a simple act of anointing with oil can become a channel for divine healing and grace.