סוּךְ (sukh)
sukh
to anoint
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb suk means to anoint or pour liquid, specifically oil, over someone or something. In the Old Testament, this act is rarely just cosmetic; it serves as a visible sign of setting apart for a sacred purpose. The word appears in contexts ranging from the consecration of priests and kings to the preparation of bodies for burial.
Its usage highlights the transition of status through physical ritual. For instance, Samuel anoints David in 1 Samuel 16:13, marking his rise from shepherd to king, while Ruth 3:3 describes Naomi advising her daughter-in-law to wash and anoint herself before meeting Boaz, a gesture of preparation and dignity. In Daniel 9:26, the term is used metaphorically for "anointed one," linking the physical act to spiritual authority.
Etymologically, suk emphasizes the action of pouring rather than rubbing, suggesting abundance and coverage. This distinguishes it from other terms for applying ointments. The sources note its occurrence in seven verses, primarily in narrative sections that deal with leadership transitions or covenantal identity, reinforcing the idea that authority and holiness are conferred through this tangible act.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word suk describes the act of pouring oil over someone or something to set them apart for a sacred purpose. It is not merely about applying perfume; it signals a change in status, marking someone as chosen by God. When Samuel anoints David, he marks the beginning of a king’s journey from shepherd to ruler. This physical act shows that authority and holiness come from God alone.
In our daily lives, this word reminds us that we are set apart for meaningful work. Just as David was prepared for leadership through this ritual, we too are called to live with purpose. The oil represents abundance and coverage, suggesting that God’s presence fully envelops those He chooses. It is a tangible sign of divine favor and responsibility.
Even in times of mourning or preparation, like Ruth washing and anointing herself, this act restores dignity and hope. It shows that God cares about our physical needs and social standing. We can find comfort knowing that our identities are not defined by our circumstances but by the One who sets us apart for His good purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will anoint yourself2×
- you anoint yourself1×
- and/ you will anoint yourself1×
- and/ they anointed/ them1×
- and/ indeed <anoint>1×
- and/ he anointed himself1×
- I anointed myself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָּס֙וּכִי֙1×
- תָס֣וּךְ1×
- תָס֔וּךְ1×
- סָ֑כְתִּי1×
- וָ/סַ֗כְתְּ1×
- וַ/יָּ֗סֶךְ1×
- וַ/יְסֻכ֗וּ/ם1×
- וְ/ס֣וֹךְ1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 12:20
Then David arose from the earth, and washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothing; and he came into Yahweh’s house, and worshiped. Then he came to his own house; and when he requested, they set bread before him and he ate.
David anoints himself after mourning, showing a transition from grief back to worship and normalcy.
-
Ruth 3:3
Therefore wash yourself, anoint yourself, get dressed, and go down to the threshing floor; but don’t make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.
Naomi instructs Ruth to anoint herself as part of preparing for a significant encounter with Boaz.
-
Daniel 10:3
I ate no pleasant food. No meat or wine came into my mouth. I didn’t anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Daniel refrains from anointing himself during a period of intense mourning and spiritual seeking.