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What does the Bible say about anointing oil?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible presents anointing oil as a consecrating sign in worship, a means associated with prayer for the sick, and a shadow pointing ultimately to Christ and the Holy Spirit’s work. Exodus 30:22-33 and 40:9 set apart the tabernacle, its furnishings, and its servants for God, forbidding ordinary use of the sacred mixture. Mark 6:13 and James 5:14 connect anointing with compassionate ministry to the sick, joined to prayer in the Lord’s name rather than treated as magic. Jesus is the supremely anointed One, empowered by the Spirit (Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:9). Believers receive the abiding anointing of the Spirit through Christ (1 John 2:27), whose care is also pictured in Psalm 23:1-6.

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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 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,

  • Mark 6:13

    They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.

  • Exodus 40:9

    You shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tent, and all that is in it, and shall make it holy, and all its furniture: and it will be holy.

  • Exodus 30:31-33

    [31] You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations. [32] It shall not be poured on man's flesh, neither shall you make any like it, according to its composition: it is holy. It shall be holy to you. [33] Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on a stranger, he shall be cut off from his people.'"

  • 1 John 2:27

    As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don't need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him.

  • Hebrews 1:9

    You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows."

  • Matthew 6:17

    But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face;

  • Acts 10:38

    even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

  • Exodus 30:22-25

    [22] Moreover Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, [23] "Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty; [24] and of cassia five hundred, after the shekel of the sanctuary; and a hin of olive oil. [25] You shall make it a holy anointing oil, a perfume compounded after the art of the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil.

  • Psalms 23:1-6

    [1] > Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. [6] Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

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