### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀλείφω (aleíphō, `{{G218}}`) is derived from a base related to "fat" or "oil" (cf. λιπαρός, *liparós*, "oily, rich"). Its primary meaning is to rub, smear, or anoint with oil, ointment, or perfume. This action is fundamentally physical and practical. It encompasses a range of applications from personal hygiene and beauty to medicinal purposes and customary social practices. A critical distinction must be made between ἀλείφω and χρίω (chriō, `{{G5548}}`). While both can be translated "anoint," ἀλείφω typically refers to a common or secular anointing, often for health, comfort, or social custom. In contrast, χρίω carries a sacred, ceremonial, or official connotation, referring to anointing for consecration or divine appointment, particularly in relation to the Messiah. ἀλείφω focuses on the *act* of applying the substance, whereas χρίω emphasizes the *purpose* or *status* conferred by the anointing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἀλείφω appears nine times in the New Testament, consistently reflecting its core meaning of physical application:
* **Personal Care/Disguise in Fasting:** In [[Matthew 6:17]], Jesus instructs his disciples to "anoint your head and wash your face" when fasting, contrasting with the hypocrites who disfigure themselves to appear pious. This highlights ἀλείφω as a normal act of personal grooming.
* **Hospitality and Devotion:**
* [[Luke 7:38]] and [[Luke 7:46]] describe a sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet with tears and then his head with expensive ointment. This is an act of profound humility and extravagant devotion, contrasting sharply with Simon the Pharisee's failure to offer the customary anointing of Jesus' head as a guest.
* **Preparation for Burial:** In [[Mark 16:1]], the women prepare spices to "anoint" Jesus' body after his crucifixion, a customary Jewish practice for honoring the deceased and preparing the body for burial.
* **Healing Contexts:**
* [[Mark 6:13]] states that the disciples, sent out by Jesus, "anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them." This suggests a practical application of oil, potentially for its medicinal properties, combined with the miraculous power of God.
* [[James 5:14]] instructs, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." This passage connects ἀλείφω with prayer for healing, where the oil may be medicinal, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or a tangible expression of faith and comfort.
* **Metaphorical for Spiritual Insight:** In a unique metaphorical usage, [[Revelation 3:18]] advises the lukewarm Laodicean church to buy "eye salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see." Here, ἀλείφω is used figuratively for the application of a spiritual remedy to overcome spiritual blindness and gain true discernment.
Across these contexts, ἀλείφω consistently denotes a physical action with practical, social, or compassionate implications, distinct from the sacred anointing that sets one apart for a divine office.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **χρίω (chriō, `{{G5548}}`):** The most significant related word. As discussed, χρίω is reserved for the sacred anointing that designates someone for a special divine purpose, such as the Messiah (Christos, "Anointed One"), priests, or kings. The New Testament *never* uses ἀλείφω in this sense.
* **μύρον (myron, `{{G3464}}`):** Ointment or perfume, often the substance used in anointing.
* **ἔλαιον (elaion, `{{G1637}}`):** Olive oil, a common anointing agent in the ancient world, used for various purposes including medicinal and cosmetic.
* **Hospitality:** Anointing the head or feet of guests was a common gesture of welcome, honor, and refreshment in the ancient Near East, as seen in the contrast between Simon and the sinful woman in [[Luke 7]].
* **Healing Practices:** The use of oil for medicinal purposes was widespread in antiquity, often applied to soothe, cleanse, or aid in recovery. The New Testament integrates this practice with prayer and divine healing.
* **Burial Rites:** Anointing the dead with aromatic spices was a customary act of reverence and preparation for burial in Jewish tradition.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀλείφω lies primarily in its portrayal of everyday faith, compassion, and spiritual discernment, while also serving to highlight the unique status of Christ.
* **Practical Piety:** The instruction in [[Matthew 6:17]] demonstrates that authentic piety is not about outward show but about a sincere heart before God. Anointing oneself during fasting is an ordinary act that prevents drawing attention to one's spiritual discipline, reinforcing the private nature of true devotion.
* **Compassionate Care and Healing:** The use of ἀλείφω in [[Mark 6:13]] and [[James 5:14]] underscores the early church's commitment to holistic care, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of individuals. While the precise nature of the oil's role in healing is debated (medicinal, symbolic of the Spirit, or a sacrament), it consistently points to the community's active role in ministering to the sick, coupled with reliance on God's power through prayer.
* **Extravagant Love and Worship:** The sinful woman's anointing of Jesus in [[Luke 7:38]] and [[Luke 7:46]] is a powerful illustration of costly, humble, and profound love for Christ. It contrasts with a superficial religiosity that neglects basic acts of honor and hospitality, emphasizing that true devotion is often expressed through sacrificial and heartfelt actions.
* **Spiritual Discernment and Remedy:** The metaphorical use in [[Revelation 3:18]] is a poignant call for spiritual awakening. The "eye salve" represents a divine remedy for spiritual blindness, urging believers to seek Christ for true insight and discernment, enabling them to perceive their spiritual condition and God's will clearly.
* **Distinction of Christ's Anointing:** By consistently using ἀλείφω for common anointing and χρίω for sacred anointing, the New Testament maintains a clear theological boundary. This linguistic precision safeguards the unique identity of Jesus as *the* Christ (the Anointed One, `{{G5548}}`) — divinely set apart for his redemptive mission — from being conflated with ordinary acts of anointing.
### Summary
ἀλείφω (aleíphō, `{{G218}}`) denotes the physical act of anointing or rubbing with oil, ointment, or perfume. Its biblical usage consistently reflects common, practical, or medicinal applications, such as personal grooming, acts of hospitality, preparation for burial, and the anointing of the sick for healing. Theologically, ἀλείφω highlights themes of genuine piety, compassionate care within the community, extravagant devotion to Christ, and the need for spiritual discernment. Crucially, its semantic range is distinct from χρίω (chriō, `{{G5548}}`), which signifies a sacred or ceremonial anointing for divine consecration, thereby underscoring the unique and unparalleled anointing of Jesus as the Messiah.
TRV