James 5:14 (aleifw)

Iver Larsen iver_larsen at sil.org
Mon Nov 25 00:01:15 EST 2002


>
>      I am interested in researching further on the word "aleifw" to
> discern if is likely that the use of this word in James 5:14 refers simply
> to a symbolic or sacramental use of oil, or whether there may be a
> medicinal effect of the oil insinuated.

The word ALEIFW (anoint) in itself just means to apply a liquid to a body
part for a certain purpose. Which body part or what purpose is defined by
context and is not part of the meaning of the word, although there would be
a cultural expectation for what liquid was normally used. (Some people
groups use rancid butter to style their hair, but I assume the Jews in the
time of Jesus used olive oil, Cf Mat 6:17).
So, in James 5:14 it is the context (following words and next verse) and not
the word itself that defines its use as symbolic here. Having said that, I
think the symbolic act loses much of its symbolic meaning when transferred
to a culture that does not use olive oil to apply to wounds.

Iver Larsen




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