ἀλείφω (aleiphō)
aleiphō
to anoint
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aleiphō means to apply oil or ointment to a person or object. In the New Testament, this action appears in contexts ranging from ritual preparation to acts of profound honor. For instance, women prepare to anoint Jesus’ body after his death (Mark 16:1), while Mary uses costly perfume to wash and anoint his feet as a gesture of devotion (John 12:3). It also describes the practical care given to the sick through oil (James 5:14).
Its root relates to substances like fat or grease, pointing to the physical act of coating something. The sources note it is synonymous with other words for anointing, such as chriō, without a strict functional distinction in most New Testament usage. This flexibility allows the word to cover both the mundane preparation of the body and the symbolic setting apart for sacred purposes.
Translators consistently render aleiphō as "anoint," preserving the tangible nature of the act. The word grounds spiritual concepts in physical reality, reminding readers that biblical faith often involves concrete actions like applying oil, whether for healing, mourning, or tribute.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the New Testament, to anoint is a tangible act that bridges the physical and spiritual worlds. It involves applying oil or ointment to a person or object, serving as a visible sign of honor, healing, or preparation. This practice grounds our faith in concrete actions, reminding us that God cares for our whole being, not just our thoughts.
When you see this word used, it often points to deep devotion or practical care. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume shows a heart fully surrendered to Him. Similarly, the elders anointing the sick in James 5:14 reflects the church’s role in bringing God’s peace and healing presence into moments of vulnerability.
Whether for mourning, worship, or healing, anointing signifies setting something apart for a sacred purpose. It invites us to consider how we might honor Christ with our best resources and care for one another with gentle, practical love. This simple act remains a powerful reminder of God’s presence in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having anointed2×
- anointed2×
- you did anoint;1×
- were anointing1×
- was anointing [them]1×
- they may anoint1×
- do anoint yourself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἤλειψεν2×
- ἤλειψας·1×
- ἤλειφον1×
- ἤλειφεν1×
- ἄλειψαί1×
- ἀλείψωσιν1×
- ἀλείψασα1×
- ἀλείψαντες1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 7:38
Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
This verse highlights anointing as an act of profound personal devotion and repentance, where Mary uses ointment to express her love for Jesus.
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James 5:14
Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;
Here, anointing is linked to prayer for healing, showing its role in seeking God’s care through the church’s leadership.
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Mark 16:1
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.
The women’s intention to anoint Jesus’ body underscores the act as a final gesture of love and preparation after His death.