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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: The Oil</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_oil.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/exodus/30-25.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/o/oil.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > The Oil</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/the_offspring_of_judah.htm" title="The Offspring of Judah">◄</a> The Oil <a href="/topical/t/the_oil_and_blood.htm" title="The Oil and Blood">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the biblical context, "oil" holds significant symbolic and practical importance, appearing frequently throughout the Scriptures. It is often associated with anointing, healing, consecration, and as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The use of oil in the Bible spans from the Old Testament to the New Testament, serving various religious, cultural, and practical purposes.<br><br><b>Old Testament Usage</b><br><br>1. <b>Anointing and Consecration</b>: Oil was primarily used for anointing in the Old Testament, signifying consecration and sanctification. Priests, kings, and prophets were anointed with oil as a sign of being set apart for God's service. In <a href="/exodus/30-25.htm">Exodus 30:25-30</a>, God instructs Moses to make a sacred anointing oil to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as Aaron and his sons: "You are to anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests" (<a href="/exodus/30-30.htm">Exodus 30:30</a>).<br><br>2. <b>Symbol of Abundance and Blessing</b>: Oil is often depicted as a symbol of prosperity and divine blessing. In <a href="/deuteronomy/8-7.htm">Deuteronomy 8:7-8</a>, the Promised Land is described as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey" , highlighting oil as a sign of God's provision.<br><br>3. <b>Healing and Restoration</b>: Oil was used for medicinal purposes, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/1-6.htm">Isaiah 1:6</a>, where it is mentioned in the context of treating wounds: "From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil" .<br><br><b>New Testament Usage</b><br><br>1. <b>Parable of the Ten Virgins</b>: In <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>, oil is used in the parable of the ten virgins, symbolizing readiness and spiritual preparedness. The wise virgins took oil in their lamps, while the foolish ones did not, illustrating the importance of being prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, representing Christ.<br><br>2. <b>Anointing for Healing</b>: The New Testament continues the theme of oil as a means of healing. In <a href="/mark/6-13.htm">Mark 6:13</a>, the disciples "drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil" . Similarly, <a href="/james/5-14.htm">James 5:14</a> encourages the use of oil in prayer for the sick: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord" .<br><br>3. <b>Symbol of the Holy Spirit</b>: Oil is often seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and work. In <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>, Jesus reads from Isaiah, proclaiming, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" , linking the anointing with oil to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b>Cultural and Practical Aspects</b><br><br>In addition to its religious significance, oil was a staple in the daily life of ancient Israel. It was used for cooking, lighting lamps, and as a base for perfumes and ointments. Olive oil, in particular, was a valuable commodity, often used in trade and as a measure of wealth.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>Throughout the Bible, oil serves as a multifaceted symbol of God's provision, blessing, and presence. Its use in anointing, healing, and as a representation of the Holy Spirit underscores its enduring significance in the biblical narrative.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/o/oil.htm">Oil</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil_for_domestic_use.htm">Oil for Domestic Use</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/o/oil_press.htm">Oil Press</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/o/oil_tree.htm">Oil Tree</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil_used_for_anointing_kings.htm">Oil used for Anointing Kings</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil_used_for_anointing_the_person.htm">Oil used for Anointing the Person</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil_used_for_anointing_the_sick.htm">Oil used for Anointing the Sick</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil_used_for_anointing_to_offices_of_trust.htm">Oil used for Anointing to offices of Trust</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil_used_for_food.htm">Oil used for Food</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil_used_for_idols.htm">Oil used for Idols</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil_used_for_lamps.htm">Oil used for Lamps</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil_used_for_the_head.htm">Oil used for the Head</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil_used_in_god's_worship.htm">Oil used in God's Worship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil_used_in_idolatrous_worship.htm">Oil used in Idolatrous Worship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil_was_tithable_by_the_law.htm">Oil was Tithable by the Law</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--canaan_abounded_in.htm">Oil: Canaan Abounded In</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--comes_form_the_earth.htm">Oil: Comes Form the Earth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil--commerce_in.htm">Oil: Commerce In</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--dealing_in,_a_trade.htm">Oil: Dealing In, a Trade</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--exported.htm">Oil: Exported</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--extracted_by_presses.htm">Oil: Extracted by Presses</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--failure_of,_a_severe_calamity.htm">Oil: Failure of, a Severe Calamity</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--first-fruits_of,_given_to_god.htm">Oil: First-Fruits of, Given to God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--given_by_god.htm">Oil: Given by God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--healing.htm">Oil: Healing</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil--illuminating,_for_tabernacle.htm">Oil: Illuminating, for Tabernacle</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--jews_often_extravagant_in_the_use_of.htm">Oil: Jews often Extravagant in the Use of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kept_in_boxes.htm">Oil: Kept in Boxes</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kept_in_cellars.htm">Oil: Kept in Cellars</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kept_in_cruises.htm">Oil: Kept in Cruises</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kept_in_horns.htm">Oil: Kept in Horns</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kept_in_pots.htm">Oil: Kept in Pots</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kept_in_storehouses.htm">Oil: Kept in Storehouses</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kind_reproof.htm">Oil: Kind Reproof</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kinds_of,_mentioned--myrrh.htm">Oil: Kinds of, Mentioned: Myrrh</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--kinds_of,_mentioned--olive.htm">Oil: Kinds of, Mentioned: Olive</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--miraculous_increase_of.htm">Oil: Miraculous Increase of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--penetrating.htm">Oil: Penetrating</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil--petroleum_().htm">Oil: Petroleum (?)</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil--punishment_for_profaning.htm">Oil: Punishment for Profaning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil--sacred.htm">Oil: Sacred</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--smooth.htm">Oil: Smooth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--soft.htm">Oil: Soft</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--sold_by_measure.htm">Oil: Sold by Measure</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--stores_of,_laid_up_in_fortified_cities.htm">Oil: Stores of, Laid up in Fortified Cities</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--the_consolation_of_the_gospel.htm">Oil: The Consolation of the Gospel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--the_ointments_of_the_jews_made_of_perfumes_mixed_with.htm">Oil: The Ointments of the Jews Made of Perfumes Mixed With</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--the_poor_employed_in_extracted.htm">Oil: The Poor Employed in Extracted</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--the_unction_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">Oil: The Unction of the Holy Spirit</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/o/oil--tribute_paid_in.htm">Oil: Tribute Paid In</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/o/oil--when_fresh_especially_esteemed.htm">Oil: when Fresh Especially Esteemed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/petroleum--figurative.htm">Petroleum: Figurative</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tirhakah.htm">Tirhakah (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pilfer.htm">Pilfer (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan (102 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/canaanites.htm">Canaanites (63 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/q/quartermaster.htm">Quartermaster (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vain.htm">Vain (141 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knavery.htm">Knavery (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/stingy.htm">stingy (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nathanael.htm">Nathanael (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/narrow-minded.htm">Narrow-minded (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unfit.htm">Unfit (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/latchet.htm">Latchet (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lords.htm">Lords (63 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/trivial.htm">Trivial (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/toparchy.htm">Toparchy</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tetrarch.htm">Tetrarch (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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href="/topical/s/syrians.htm">Syrians (63 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/steward.htm">Steward (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/spat.htm">Spat (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job (60 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/deal.htm">Deal (170 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jehoiakim.htm">Jehoiakim (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/library.htm">Library</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judgement.htm">Judgement (68 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon (277 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/innocents.htm">Innocents (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/persian.htm">Persian (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/iscariot.htm">Iscariot (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/massacre.htm">Massacre (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gnosticism.htm">Gnosticism</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sit.htm">Sit (216 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/courts.htm">Courts (59 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/court.htm">Court (172 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/judas.htm">Judas (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/syria.htm">Syria (73 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/huckster.htm">Huckster</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/relationships.htm">Relationships (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sabbath.htm">Sabbath (126 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/taxing.htm">Taxing (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tax.htm">Tax (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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