Oil, ointment

Ointment was oil extracted from the fruit of olive trees.

The oil itself served to soothe and to soften wounds. It could also serve as a base to which other medicinal plant extracts were added. See also Anointing oil and Olive oil.

In LUK 10:34 it is important to recognize the medicinal value of oil and wine. In some instances translators have indicated the purpose of such an activity by translating “He went over to him. To cleanse and heal his wounds, he poured wine and oil on them and bandaged them ....” It may also be helpful to add a marginal note to explain the antiseptic quality of wine and the value of oil in the healing process.

Some have questioned whether the anointing with oil in JAS 5:14 is primarily a medicinal act or a spiritual one. A Handbook on The Letter from James says the following concerning this: “As to the function of anointing, it is well known that olive oil was often used in the ancient world for medical purposes; for example, in cleansing, soothing, and healing wounds (2KI 20:7; ISA 1:6; MRK 6:13; LUK 10:34). While not ruling out the possibility that the anointing here is for medical purposes, there are certainly other factors involved. Most probably it also has religious and symbolic purposes, reminding the sick person of God’s concern for his faithful people in time of distress, and stimulating as well as awakening faith. This is confirmed by the fact that the anointing is performed in the name of the Lord. In any case these interpretations will not in any way affect the outcome of translation” (page 190).