from ἐν and χρίω; to rub in (oil), i.e. besmear:--anoint.
Transliteration:enchríō
Pronunciation:eng-khree'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word enchríō (`{{G1472}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition en (in, on, upon) and the verb chriō (to anoint, smear, rub). Its base definition, "to rub in (oil), i.e., besmear," accurately captures its literal sense. The prefix en- intensifies or specifies the action of chriō, emphasizing the direct application *onto* or *into* a surface, rather than merely pouring *over*. This suggests a thorough and intimate application. In its classical and Koine Greek usage, enchríō would typically refer to the physical act of applying salves, ointments, or oils for medicinal, cosmetic, or even ritualistic purposes, implying a direct and often tactile engagement with the substance being applied. Its semantic range is primarily literal, focusing on the physical action, but in the New Testament, its sole occurrence shifts this meaning to a profound spiritual metaphor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word enchríō (`{{G1472}}`) appears only once in the entire New Testament, specifically in Christ's message to the church in Laodicea:
* "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see." [[Revelation 3:18]]
In this pivotal verse, Christ addresses the spiritual blindness of the Laodiceans, who, despite their material wealth, were spiritually "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." Laodicea was renowned for its medical school and for producing a famous eye salve (collyrium). Christ uses this local context to deliver a sharp spiritual rebuke and offer a divine remedy. The command to "anoint your eyes with eye salve" (ἐγχρίω κολλύριον) uses enchríō metaphorically. It is not a call for physical anointing, but for the application of a spiritual "eye salve" to open their inner eyes. This "eye salve" represents spiritual truth, wisdom, and discernment that can only be obtained from Christ Himself. The choice of enchríō underscores the need for a direct, personal, and thorough application of this spiritual remedy to truly perceive their condition and God's will.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **chriō (`{{G5548}}`):** The root word, meaning "to anoint." This term is often used in a sacred or official sense, particularly in reference to the anointing of Christ as the "Anointed One" (Christos), or the anointing of prophets, priests, and kings in the Old Testament tradition. While enchríō emphasizes the physical rubbing in of a substance, chriō can carry a deeper theological weight of being set apart or empowered by God.
* **chrisma (`{{G5545}}`):** "Anointing," often referring to the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which imparts spiritual understanding and truth (e.g., [[1 John 2:20]], [[1 John 2:27]]). This spiritual anointing is the divine source of discernment that enchríō metaphorically points to.
* **aleiphō (`{{G218}}`):** Another Greek word for "to anoint," but typically used in more mundane contexts, such as anointing for hygiene, hospitality, healing (e.g., [[Mark 6:13]], [[James 5:14]]), or burial. It lacks the specific "rubbing in" nuance of enchríō and the sacred or official connotations of chriō.
* **Spiritual Blindness and Sight:** The concept of spiritual blindness is pervasive in Scripture (e.g., [[John 9:39-41]], [[2 Corinthians 4:4]]). The "eye salve" in [[Revelation 3:18]] is the divine antidote, representing the means by which God opens the eyes of understanding (e.g., [[Ephesians 1:18]]) and grants spiritual perception.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of enchríō in [[Revelation 3:18]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as:
* **A Divine Diagnosis and Remedy:** Christ, as the Great Physician, precisely diagnoses the Laodicean church's spiritual malady (blindness) and offers a specific, divinely sourced remedy. The act of "anointing" with eye salve symbolizes the necessary spiritual transformation that must occur from within, facilitated by Christ's truth.
* **An Emphasis on Spiritual Perception:** The "eye salve" is not a physical substance but represents the spiritual means by which true perception is gained. It is a gift from Christ that enables individuals to see their own spiritual condition accurately and to discern God's truth. Without this divine illumination, spiritual blindness persists, leading to self-deception and spiritual poverty.
* **A Call to Repentance and Dependence:** The command to "buy from Me" (not with money, but with humility and repentance) this spiritual eye salve underscores the absolute necessity of dependence on Christ. The Laodiceans' self-sufficiency was their downfall; Christ's counsel is a call to abandon pride and embrace a humble reliance on Him as the sole source of spiritual sight and wisdom.
* **Christ as the Source of Truth:** Ultimately, Christ Himself is the "eye salve." He is the one who reveals truth, exposes spiritual blindness, and grants the ability to see. The "anointing" is an act of submitting to His authority, His Word, and His Spirit to gain clarity and understanding.
### Summary
The Greek word enchríō (`{{G1472}}`), meaning "to rub in" or "to besmear," appears only once in the New Testament in [[Revelation 3:18]]. Here, Christ metaphorically counsels the spiritually blind church of Laodicea to "anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see." This powerful image uses the local context of Laodicea's famed eye medicine to convey a deep spiritual truth. Unlike chriō (`{{G5548}}`) which often signifies a sacred setting apart, or aleiphō (`{{G218}}`) for general anointing, enchríō in this context emphasizes the direct, thorough, and personal application of a spiritual remedy. This "eye salve" represents the divine illumination and spiritual truth that only Christ can provide, necessary to overcome spiritual blindness and perceive one's true condition and God's reality. The use of enchríō underscores the critical need for repentance, humble dependence on Christ, and the reception of His truth to gain genuine spiritual insight and discernment.
TRV