### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιχρίω (epichríō, `{{G2025}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epí), meaning "upon" or "over," and the verb χρίω (chríō, `{{G5548}}`), which signifies "to anoint," "to rub," or "to smear." The prefix ἐπί in this context intensifies or specifies the action of χρίω, emphasizing the application of a substance *over* a surface, often with the implication of covering or coating. Thus, the core meaning of ἐπιχρίω is "to smear over" or "to apply an ointment/substance upon." Unlike χρίω which can carry strong ceremonial connotations (e.g., anointing for kingship or priesthood), ἐπιχρίω in its New Testament usage points more directly to a physical, often therapeutic, application. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing on the literal act of applying a substance to a body part.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιχρίω (epichríō, `{{G2025}}`) appears exclusively in the Gospel of John, specifically in the narrative of Jesus healing the man born blind:
* **[[John 9:6]]**: "When He had said this, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay." Here, Jesus performs a physical act of healing by *smearing* (ἐπέχρισεν) the clay He made onto the blind man's eyes. The action is deliberate and tactile, emphasizing the direct application of the earthy substance.
* **[[John 9:11]]**: "He answered and said, 'A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, "Go to the pool of Siloam and wash." So I went and washed, and I received sight.'" In the blind man's testimony, he reiterates the action, stating that Jesus *anointed* (ἐπέχρισέν) his eyes. The consistency of the verb choice highlights the specific method of healing employed by Jesus.
In both instances, the context is one of miraculous healing through a tangible, physical medium. The act of smearing the mud is not merely symbolic but an integral part of the divine intervention that leads to the restoration of sight. It underscores Jesus' authority over creation and His unique methods of bringing about transformation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐπιχρίω benefits from comparing it with other related Greek terms for anointing:
* **χρίω (chríō, `{{G5548}}`)**: This is the root verb from which ἐπιχρίω is formed. χρίω is a broader term, meaning "to anoint," "to rub with oil," or "to consecrate by anointing." It is notably used to describe the anointing of Jesus as the Christ (e.g., [[Acts 4:27]], [[Acts 10:38]]), connecting Him to the Old Testament concept of the Messiah. While ἐπιχρίω focuses on the physical application, χρίω often carries a deeper ceremonial or spiritual significance.
* **ἀλείφω (aleiphō, `{{G218}}`)**: Another common verb for "to anoint," but typically in a more mundane or practical sense. It is used for anointing with oil for refreshment, cleansing, or medicinal purposes (e.g., anointing the sick in [[James 5:14]], or preparing a body for burial). Unlike χρίω, ἀλείφω rarely carries ceremonial or sacred connotations.
* **ἐγχρίω (enchríō, `{{G1472}}`)**: This verb, found in [[Revelation 3:18]] ("anoint your eyes with eye salve"), is very close in meaning and construction to ἐπιχρίω. The prefix ἐν (en) means "in" or "into," while ἐπί (epi) means "upon" or "over." Both compound verbs describe the application of a substance to a surface, often for therapeutic effect. The distinction is subtle, with ἐπιχρίω perhaps emphasizing the covering aspect more directly.
The concept of "anointing" in the New Testament, whether with oil, mud, or salve, consistently points to divine power, healing, consecration, or preparation. In the case of ἐπιχρίω, it is inextricably linked to miraculous healing and the restoration of physical and, by extension, spiritual sight.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐπιχρίω in the healing of the man born blind in John 9 carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Authority and Incarnational Ministry**: Jesus' act of *smearing* mud on the man's eyes demonstrates His unique authority over creation. He uses a humble, earthly substance (mud mixed with saliva) as a conduit for divine power. This underscores the incarnational nature of His ministry: God working through physical means in the world to bring about spiritual realities. The tangible act of ἐπιχρίω grounds the miraculous in the material world, making it accessible and real.
2. **Symbolism of Sight and Blindness**: The physical healing of blindness through this specific act serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. The man's initial physical blindness mirrors the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees and those who refused to recognize Jesus as the Light of the World. The act of ἐπιχρίω leads not only to physical sight but also to the man's spiritual awakening and confession of faith in Jesus ([[John 9:38]]).
3. **The Means of Grace**: While not a sacrament, the use of ἐπιχρίω in this context illustrates that God can use various means, even seemingly ordinary or unconventional ones, to dispense His grace and bring about transformation. It challenges the notion that divine acts must conform to human expectations or established rituals. The "smearing" becomes an act of grace that opens eyes to both physical reality and spiritual truth.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐπιχρίω (epichríō, `{{G2025}}`) precisely describes the action of "smearing over" or "applying a substance upon." Its limited but significant occurrences in [[John 9:6]] and [[John 9:11]] highlight Jesus' unique method of healing the man born blind by physically applying mud to his eyes. This specific term differentiates itself from more general or ceremonial words for anointing, emphasizing the direct, tactile nature of the therapeutic act. Theologically, the use of ἐπιχρίω underscores Jesus' divine authority, the incarnational reality of His ministry, and the profound connection between physical healing and spiritual enlightenment. It serves as a vivid illustration of God's power working through tangible means to restore sight, both literally and metaphorically, to those who are blind.
TRV