Essential oils are not directly mentioned in the Bible, but the use of fragrant oils and anointing is a common theme in Scripture. Oils were used for healing, anointing, and symbolic purposes, reflecting God’s care and blessing. Let’s explore how the Bible talks about oils and their significance in biblical times.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About taking care of your parents
What Does The Bible Say About essential oils
Exodus 30:23
“Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250 shekels, and of aromatic cane 250 shekels.”
This verse highlights the use of aromatic substances, including essential oils, in the context of sacred anointing oil. It suggests that these oils were considered valuable and significant in religious practices.
Proverbs 7:17
“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.”
This verse mentions the use of myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon as fragrances for a bed. It implies that essential oils were used for their pleasing aroma and potentially for their soothing properties.
2 Chronicles 16:14
“They buried him in the tomb that he had cut for himself in the city of David. They laid him on a bier that had been filled with various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumer’s art, and they made a very great fire in his honor.”
This verse depicts the preparation of spices, likely including essential oils, by a perfumer for burial customs. It suggests that these oils had a significant role in honoring the deceased and creating a pleasant atmosphere during the funeral.
Psalm 45:7-8
“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.”
In this Psalm, the anointing with the oil of gladness, along with the mention of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, symbolizes blessings and divine favor. It signifies the use of fragrant oils for purification and consecration.
Esther 2:12
“Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women.”
This verse describes the beauty rituals followed by young women in preparation for entering King Ahasuerus’ court. The use of myrrh, spices, and ointments, which could include essential oils, indicates their role in enhancing physical appearance and attractiveness.
James 5:14
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
This verse suggests the use of oil as a part of a healing ritual performed by the church elders. The anointing with oil may have symbolized the application of God’s blessing and the power of prayer for physical and spiritual healing.
Mark 6:13
“And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”
This verse showcases the disciples’ practice of anointing the sick with oil as a means of healing. It signifies the belief in the healing properties of oil and the spiritual authority given to the disciples by Jesus.
Isaiah 61:3
“To grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
This verse speaks of the transformative power of God’s blessings. The oil of gladness represents joy and restoration, replacing mourning and sadness. It signifies the spiritual and emotional comfort that can be found through the anointing with oil.
Ruth 3:3
“Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.”
In this verse, Naomi instructs Ruth to cleanse herself, anoint herself with oil, and dress before approaching Boaz on the threshing floor. The anointing with oil could symbolize preparation and appeal to enhance Ruth’s attractiveness and confidence.
Luke 7:46
“You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.”
This verse tells the story of a woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with ointment. It contrasts her act of humble service and devotion with the omission of anointing by the homeowner. It signifies the significance of expressing love and honor through acts involving essential oils.
Song of Solomon 1:3
“Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you.”
This verse uses the metaphor of fragrant anointing oils to describe the allure and desirability of the beloved. It highlights the captivating and pleasing qualities associated with the anointing oils used in ancient times.
Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
This verse portrays God’s provision and protection. The anointing with oil signifies God’s blessing and favor, which brings abundance and joy. It symbolizes the overflowing blessings of the Lord in the midst of adversity.
Exodus 29:7
“Then you shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him.”
This verse describes the process of anointing the high priest with oil for consecration. It represents the setting apart of individuals for sacred service and the bestowing of God’s authority and favor upon them.
Psalm 133:2
“It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!”
This verse uses the imagery of the anointing oil flowing down Aaron’s head and beard as a representation of unity and harmony among God’s people. It suggests that the anointing oil had a unifying and consecrating effect.
Matthew 6:17
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.”
Jesus instructs his disciples to maintain their outward appearance as usual while fasting but also advises them to anoint their heads. This suggests that the anointing with oil during fasting could serve as a personal act of dedication and spiritual preparation.
Psalm 104:14
“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.”
This verse highlights God’s provision for humanity, including oil to make the face shine. It signifies the nourishing and uplifting qualities that oil can bring, both physically and metaphorically, to the well-being of individuals.
Luke 10:34
“He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
This verse tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. The pouring of oil on the wounded man’s wounds represents the act of giving comfort, healing, and care. It symbolizes the soothing and restorative properties of oil in a time of distress.
Psalm 141:5
“Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.”
This verse presents the metaphorical comparison of receiving a rebuke or correction to being anointed with oil. It signifies the value of wise counsel and constructive criticism, which can bring about personal growth and spiritual refining.
Ecclesiastes 9:8
“Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.”
This verse encourages the maintenance of cleanliness and a pleasing appearance. The mention of oil for the head suggests the habitual use of anointing oils for personal grooming and self-care in order to present oneself well.
John 9:6-7
“Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.”
In this passage, Jesus uses a mixture of saliva and mud to anoint a blind man’s eyes. The anointing with this improvised ointment precedes the miraculous healing and restoration of the man’s sight.
Psalm 45:8
“Your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad.”
This verse describes the fragrant robes of the king, symbolizing honor and beauty. The mention of myrrh, aloes, and cassia signifies the presence of essential oils as part of the royal attire, adding to the regal atmosphere.
Jeremiah 46:11
“Go up to Gilead, and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt! In vain you have used many medicines; there is no healing for you.”
Here, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the futility of relying on various medications for healing without success. He directs attention to the balm of Gilead, a precious oil with reputed healing properties. It reveals the recognition of oils as a potential source of remedies in ancient times.
Isaiah 57:9
“You journeyed to the king with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far off, and sent down even to Sheol.”
This verse admonishes those who seek worldly alliances and false gods. The mention of journeying with oil and multiplying perfumes suggests the use of fragrances, possibly including essential oils, as part of idolatrous worship practices.