ἐγχρίω (egchriō)
egchriō
to rub on
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb egchriō describes the physical act of rubbing something into the skin, specifically meaning to anoint or besmirch. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Revelation 3:18, where Jesus advises the church in Laodicea to buy refined gold and eye salve. The context implies a medicinal application, suggesting that the act of rubbing ointment into the eyes was a known remedy for spiritual or physical blindness.
Its root combines the prefix en-, meaning "in," with chriō, the common word for anointing. This structure emphasizes the thoroughness of the action, as one rubs the substance deeply into the flesh rather than merely sprinkling it on top. While chriō can refer to ceremonial consecration, egchriō focuses on the tactile process of treatment or preparation.
Translators often render this word simply as "anoint," but the specific imagery of rubbing in salve highlights a need for healing. The source data links this term to similar practices in the Septuagint, such as in Tobit, where anointing is used for medical purposes. This usage grounds the spiritual advice in Laodicea in concrete, everyday care.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word egchriō describes the physical act of rubbing a substance into the skin or eyes. In Revelation 3:18, Jesus uses this specific imagery when He tells the church in Laodicea to buy eye salve so they may see. This is not just a metaphor for spiritual insight; it points to a tangible need for healing and clarity.
When we feel spiritually blind or confused, we often look for quick fixes. But Jesus invites us into a process of care. He knows that true sight requires something rubbed in deeply, not just sprinkled on the surface. This suggests that our spiritual health needs attentive, personal attention from Him.
This reminder offers hope for those struggling with confusion or pain. It is an invitation to seek His healing touch, trusting that He provides what we truly need to see clearly again.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to anoint1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐγχρῖσαι1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 3:18
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
This is the only New Testament occurrence where egchriō appears, linking physical eye salve to spiritual perception.