Oil plays an important symbolic and practical role in the Bible. From being used in anointing kings to fueling lamps in sacred rituals, oil is associated with blessings, healing, and spiritual significance. But what is the deeper meaning of oil in scripture, and how does it connect to our spiritual journey today? Discover the biblical perspective on the importance of oil in both a practical and symbolic sense.
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What Does The Bible Say About Oil
Exodus 30:22
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take the following fine spices: five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus”
This verse speaks of the ingredients used to make the holy anointing oil. The oil was a symbol of consecration and setting apart for a specific purpose. It carried a unique fragrance and was used to anoint the priests and sacred objects in the tabernacle as a sign of God’s presence and empowerment.
Just as the anointing oil was set apart and consecrated, we as believers are called to be set apart and consecrated for God’s purposes. The oil symbolizes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives, empowering and equipping us for the work God has called us to.
Psalm 23:5
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
In this psalm, David depicts God as a loving and caring shepherd. The act of anointing with oil represents God’s blessing and favor upon David’s life. It symbolizes God’s provision, abundance, and overflowing goodness.
As believers, we can trust in God’s provision and experience His abundant blessings. Just as a cup overflows when it is filled with more than it can contain, God’s blessings in our lives will overflow to the point of abundance.
Matthew 25:3-4
The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus illustrates the importance of being prepared for His return. The oil in this parable symbolizes the readiness and spiritual preparedness of the believers.
It serves as a reminder for us to be vigilant and always ready for God’s coming. We should continually cultivate our relationship with God and keep our faith and spiritual lives fueled by the Holy Spirit.
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 addresses the practice of anointing the sick with oil in the early church. It was seen as a means of invoking God’s healing power and demonstrating faith in His ability to restore health.
Though the physical act of anointing with oil may not be as common today, the underlying principle remains: prayer, faith, and seeking God’s healing power are essential when facing illness or difficulties.
Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
In this verse, the writer of Hebrews speaks of Jesus being anointed with the oil of joy as a result of His righteousness and opposition to wickedness. It signifies His exaltation and position above all else.
As followers of Christ, we can also experience the oil of joy in our lives as we walk in righteousness and shun wickedness. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a result of our relationship with God and the assurance of our salvation through Christ.
Mark 6:13
They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
In this passage, Jesus sends out His disciples to perform miracles and minister to the people. Part of their ministry included anointing the sick with oil and witnessing healing and deliverance.
While the act of anointing with oil itself does not have magical properties, it serves as a visible demonstration of faith and a tangible expression of God’s power at work. The healing and deliverance that occurred through the disciples’ ministry serve as a testimony to the authority and power of Jesus.
Ruth 3:3
Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.
Although this verse does not explicitly mention oil, it speaks of Ruth’s preparation before approaching Boaz on the threshing floor. The act of putting on perfume can be viewed as an anointing with fragrant oil, symbolizing the preparation and consecration of Ruth.
Similarly, as believers, we are called to prepare ourselves spiritually and consecrate ourselves before coming before the presence of God. Just as Ruth found favor and redemption through her preparation and obedience, we too can experience God’s favor and redemption when we approach Him with a heart that is prepared and consecrated.
Psalm 45:7
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
This verse speaks of the anointing of the messianic King with the oil of joy. It signifies His righteousness, His opposition to wickedness, and His exalted position above all others.
As believers, we are also anointed with the oil of joy through our relationship with Christ. This joy transcends our circumstances and is founded on the truth of God’s love, salvation, and the hope we have in Him. It is a joy that sustains us and gives us strength, even in the midst of trials and challenges.
Leviticus 21:12
The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair become unkempt.
This verse refers to the high priest who had the anointing oil poured on his head as part of his consecration. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining an appearance befitting the role and responsibilities of a priest.
As believers, we are all called to be priests in God’s kingdom (1 Peter 2:9). While the physical anointing with oil may not apply to us today, the principle remains that we should live in a manner that reflects our consecration to God. This includes taking care of our appearance and conduct, representing God’s holiness to the world.
Psalm 104:15
And wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.
This verse describes the various blessings of God, including the oil that makes people’s faces shine. It highlights the promoting and refreshing nature of oil, which brings joy and vitality.
Similarly, the anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives brings a radiant joy and spiritual vitality. The oil of the Holy Spirit illuminates our lives, bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit and transforming us into the image of Christ.
Leviticus 14:17
From the rest of the oil in his palm, the priest is to put some on the tip of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot, on top of the blood of the guilt offering.
This verse describes the anointing of the cleansed individual as part of the purification ceremony. The oil was applied to specific areas of the body, signifying the consecration of one’s hearing, actions, and movements to God.
As believers, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The anointing with oil in this verse reminds us to consecrate every aspect of our lives, including our thoughts, words, and actions, and dedicate them to God’s service.
Matthew 26:7
a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
Although this verse does not specifically mention oil, it speaks of the woman anointing Jesus with a jar of perfume. The act of anointing with expensive oil or perfume was a significant gesture of honor and adoration.
Just as the woman offered her most valuable possession to honor Jesus, we are called to offer our lives, our hearts, and our resources as a fragrant offering to Him. Our adoration and worship should flow from a heart that recognizes Christ’s worth and is willing to give Him our very best.
Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
This verse describes the transformative power of God’s grace in the lives of those who mourn. Instead of ashes, mourning, and despair, God replaces them with beauty, joy, and praise.
Like the anointing with the oil of joy, God desires to bring healing and restoration to our brokenness. He turns our mourning into rejoicing and cultivates within us a spirit of praise. As we walk in righteousness and surrender to His work in our lives, we become living testimonies of God’s splendor and grace.
Exodus 29:2
And from the finest wheat flour make round loaves without yeast, thick loaves without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, and thin loaves without yeast and brushed with olive oil.
In this verse, God gives specific instructions for the bread offering in the tabernacle, which includes the use of olive oil. The olive oil symbolizes the presence and provision of God.
Today, as believers, we can draw symbolism from this to recognize that God is the source of our sustenance and provision. Just as the oil was mixed in with the bread, God wants to be intimately involved in every aspect of our lives, providing for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
James 5:15
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
This verse speaks about the power of prayer and its impact on healing and forgiveness. It emphasizes the connection between confession, prayer, and healing, as well as the importance of righteousness in effective prayer.
While the oil itself does not possess any inherent healing properties, it can be used as a symbol in conjunction with prayer to signify God’s healing touch and the faith of the one praying. The anointing with oil becomes a visible expression of our trust in God’s ability to bring about healing and forgiveness.
Psalms 45:7
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
This verse speaks of the anointing of the messianic King with the oil of joy. It signifies His righteousness, His opposition to wickedness, and His exalted position above all others.
As believers, we are also anointed with the oil of joy through our relationship with Christ. This joy transcends our circumstances and is founded on the truth of God’s love, salvation, and the hope we have in Him. It is a joy that sustains us and gives us strength, even in the midst of trials and challenges.
1 John 2:20
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
In this verse, John addresses the believers, reminding them that they have received an anointing from the Holy One. The anointing refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
As believers, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us, guides us, and reveals the truth to us. This anointing enables us to discern and understand the deeper spiritual truths and empowers us for the work of the kingdom.
Exodus 29:7
Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.
This verse describes the anointing of the high priest as part of his consecration ceremony. The anointing oil is poured on his head, signifying God’s choice and empowerment for the priestly role.
As believers, we are called a royal priesthood in Christ (1 Peter 2:9). Though we may not physically pour oil on our heads, the anointing is symbolic of God’s empowerment upon us, setting us apart for His service. We have been chosen and anointed to represent God’s kingdom, bringing His love and truth to the world.
Matthew 6:17
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.
This verse addresses the practice of fasting and the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy during times of fasting. The act of putting oil on one’s head and washing one’s face signifies maintaining personal hygiene and presenting oneself as usual.
In our spiritual journey, humility and sincerity are emphasized over outward displays of piety. The anointing with oil in this verse symbolizes the internal, heartfelt focus of fasting rather than seeking attention or recognition from others.
Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
In this verse, the writer of Hebrews speaks of Jesus being anointed with the oil of joy as a result of His righteousness and opposition to wickedness. It signifies His exaltation and position above all else.
As followers of Christ, we can also experience the oil of joy in our lives as we walk in righteousness and shun wickedness. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a result of our relationship with God and the assurance of our salvation through Christ.
2 Kings 4:2
Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”
In this narrative, Elisha encounters a widow who is in great need. All she has is a small jar of olive oil. Elisha instructs her to gather empty jars from her neighbors and pour the small amount of oil she has into the empty jars.
As the story unfolds, the oil miraculously multiplies, and the widow is able to sell the oil, pay off her debts, and have enough to live on. This account highlights the provision and abundance that can come from even the smallest amount of resources when placed in God’s hands.
Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
In this verse, the writer of Hebrews speaks of Jesus being anointed with the oil of joy as a result of His righteousness and opposition to wickedness. It signifies His exaltation and position above all else.
As followers of Christ, we can also experience the oil of joy in our lives as we walk in righteousness and shun wickedness. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a result of our relationship with God and the assurance of our salvation through Christ.
John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Though this verse does not specifically mention oil, it recounts an act of anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. The act of anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume and wiping them with her hair was a demonstration of deep love, reverence, and devotion.
As believers, we can learn from Mary’s example and express our love and devotion to Jesus through acts of worship and sacrifice. Our lives should exude the sweet fragrance of a genuine and wholehearted love for Him, impacting those around us.
Mark 14:8
She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.
In this verse, Jesus commends the woman who anointed Him with perfume before His crucifixion. He recognizes and appreciates her act of love and foreshadows His impending death and burial.
As believers, we can also offer ourselves in acts of love and service to Christ, recognizing the significance of His sacrifice for us. Like the anointing with perfume, our actions should flow from a heart that is surrendered to Him, acknowledging His worth and sacrificing our own desires for His glory.
Mark 6:13
They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
In this passage, Jesus sends out His disciples to perform miracles and minister to the people. Part of their ministry included anointing the sick with oil and witnessing healing and deliverance.
While the act of anointing with oil itself may not directly cause healing, it serves as a visible expression of faith and a symbol of God’s healing power. It reminds us that healing is ultimately in God’s hands, and our role is to have faith and trust in His power to bring about restoration and wholeness.