ἐγχρίω
enchríō
G1472 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To anoint by applying or rubbing in (oil or ointment), focusing on the physical act of smearing a substance onto someone or something. Used with nuance indicating the literal application or treatment, especially in the sense of rubbing in medicinal or aromatic substances. May also extend metaphorically to describe ritual anointing or consecration, but is primarily physical in reference.
Semantic Range
to anoint by rubbing in (oil or ointment), to apply by rubbing, to besmear, to treat with ointment or medicine by rubbing, to ceremonially or ritually anoint by physically applying
Root / Etymology
From ἐν ('in, into') and χρίω ('to anoint, smear'), thus, literally 'to anoint in, to rub in'. The word is a compound, retaining the sense of physical application or massaging in oil or unguent.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Rare in Greek literature and extremely rare in the New Testament, where the simple verb χρίω is more frequent. ἐγχρίω emphasizes the actual process of rubbing in or massaging a substance onto the body, as compared to simpler or more ritualistic forms of anointing. In classical and Hellenistic sources, it is used for applying oil, ointment, or medicine to the body, including athletic or medical practices (e.g., in Galen). In the Septuagint, it occurs primarily in the context of ceremonial or ritual anointing, but in a way that highlights the act of physical application. In the New Testament (John 9:6,11,15), it refers specifically to Jesus physically rubbing mud mixed with saliva onto the eyes of a blind man, reflecting its literal, tactile sense. Traditional translations such as 'anoint' may not fully reflect the manual, intensive process conveyed. The term is distinct from ἁλίφω ('to anoint') and χρίω ('to smear, anoint'), the latter of which developed specialized ritual and metaphorical senses (including the Messianic title 'Christ'). ἐγχρίω remains rooted in the tactile action of smearing or rubbing in a substance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and χρίω; to rub in (oil), i.e. besmear:--anoint.
Root Family
ἐγχρίω (enchriō) — to smear, to anoint, to rub in
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1472-01 |
ἐγχρῖσαι | egchrisai | V AOR ACT INF |
to anoint | to rub in oil | to anoint | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1472-01 |
Revelation 3:18 | ἐγχρῖσαι | egchrisai | V AOR ACT INF |
to anoint | to rub in oil | to anoint |