μυρίζω (murizō)
murizō
to anoint
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb murizō means to apply perfume or ointment to a person, specifically in the context of burial preparation. It appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Mark 14:8, where Jesus defends a woman’s act of pouring expensive nard on his head.
This action was not merely decorative but ritualistic. In the ancient world, anointing with spices was a standard practice to honor the dead and mask the scent of decay. By accepting this gesture, Jesus acknowledges the reality of his impending death while elevating her act into a prophetic sign that points toward his burial.
The word highlights the tangible nature of devotion in the Gospels. It connects physical care with spiritual recognition, showing how material resources can serve as a profound witness to faith when offered in love and obedience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word murizō appears only once in the New Testament, found in Mark 14:8. It describes the act of anointing someone with perfume or ointment. In this specific instance, a woman pours expensive nard on Jesus’ head before his burial. This was not just a gesture of honor but a practical preparation for death in the ancient world.
Jesus uses this moment to teach us about the value of sacrificial love. He notes that she has done what she could, turning a physical act into a prophetic sign. For your faith, this reminds you that tangible resources and time are meaningful when offered in obedience. It is not about the cost, but the heart behind the gift.
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.
- μυρίσαι1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 14:8
She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying.
This verse captures the word's unique usage, showing how a physical act of anointing serves as a prophetic acknowledgment of Jesus' impending death.