Original Word: ἀλείφω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: aleipho
Pronunciation: ah-LAY-fo
Phonetic Spelling: (al-i'-fo)
Definition: I anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead.
Meaning: To anoint, typically with oil

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H4886 מָשַׁח (mashach): To anoint, smear, consecrate
• H8081 שֶׁמֶן (shemen): Oil, fat, ointment

These Hebrew terms are often used in the Old Testament to describe similar practices of anointing, particularly in the context of consecrating priests, kings, and sacred objects, as well as for personal grooming and healing. The continuity between the Hebrew and Greek practices of anointing highlights the enduring significance of this ritual act across the biblical narrative.

Usage: The verb ἀλείφω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of anointing, often in the context of applying oil for various purposes, such as for healing, hospitality, or preparation for burial.

Context: The Greek verb ἀλείφω appears in several New Testament passages, illustrating its varied applications in ancient cultural and religious practices. In the context of the New Testament, anointing with oil served both practical and symbolic purposes.

• Healing: In Mark 6:13, the disciples "anointed many sick people with oil and healed them." This usage reflects the medicinal and ritualistic aspects of anointing, where oil was believed to have healing properties and was used as a tangible expression of divine grace and intervention.

• Hospitality: In Luke 7:38, 46, the act of anointing is associated with hospitality and honor. Jesus rebukes Simon the Pharisee for not anointing His head with oil, a customary practice of welcoming and honoring guests. This highlights the cultural significance of anointing as a gesture of respect and care.

• Preparation for Burial: In Mark 16:1, the women come to anoint Jesus' body after His crucifixion. This reflects the Jewish burial customs of the time, where anointing the body with spices and oils was part of the preparation for burial, signifying respect and love for the deceased.

The act of anointing in the New Testament, therefore, carries rich theological and cultural connotations, symbolizing healing, honor, and preparation for significant transitions. It underscores the tangible expression of faith and devotion in the early Christian community.

218 aleíphō – properly, to rub or smear olive oil on the body. 218 (aleíphō) is the ordinary term used for physically anointing the body with (olive) oil. Anointing brought healing and relief and hence became synonymous with gladness (festivity).

["Anointing" (218 /aleíphō) usually applied olive oil on the face, to refresh a guest. Oil was also applied to the feet to soothe and show honor (courtesy, respect). Anointing shares a "penetrating comfort" to impart strength and healing (joy).]

STRONGS NT 218: ἀλείφω

ἀλείφω: imperfect ἤλειφον; 1 aorist ἤλειψα; 1 aorist middle imperative ἄλειψαί; (allied with λίπος, grease; cf. Curtius, § 340; Vanicek, p. 811; Peile, p. 407; from Homer down); to anoint: τινα or τί, Mark 16:1; John 12:3; τινα or τί τίνι (Winer's Grammar, 227 (213)), as ἐλαίῳ, Luke 7:46{a}; Mark 6:13; James 5:14; μύρῳ, John 11:2; Luke 7:38, 46{b}; middle, Matthew 6:17 (literally, 'anoint for thyself thy head,'unge tibi caput tuum; cf. Winers Grammar, 257 (242); Buttmann, 192 (166f)). Cf. Winers RWB under the word Salbe; (B. D. or McClintock and Strong's Cyclopaedia, under the word , etc. [SYNONYMS: "ἀλείφειν is the mundane and profane, χρίειν the sacred and religious, word." Trench, § 38: Compare: ἐξαλείφω].

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

anoint.

From a (as particle of union) and the base of liparos; to oil (with perfume) -- anoint.

see GREEK a

see GREEK liparos

Forms and Transliterations

αλειφομέναις αλείφοντας αλείφοντες αλείφουσιν αλειψαι άλειψαί ἄλειψαί αλειψαντες αλείψαντες ἀλείψαντες αλειψασα αλείψασα ἀλείψασα αλείψασθαι αλείψεις αλείψη αλείψομαι αλείψωσι αλειψωσιν ἀλείψωσιν ηλειμμένοι ήλειφε ηλειφεν ἤλειφεν ηλειφον ήλειφον ἤλειφον ηλειψάμην ηλειψας ήλειψας ήλειψάς ἤλειψας ηλείψατε ηλείψατο ήλειψε ήλειψέ ηλειψεν ἤλειψεν aleipsai áleipsaí aleipsantes aleípsantes aleipsasa aleípsasa aleipsosin aleipsōsin aleípsosin aleípsōsin eleiphen ēleiphen ḗleiphen eleiphon ēleiphon ḗleiphon eleipsas ēleipsas ḗleipsas eleipsen ēleipsen ḗleipsen

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts