What is the Anointing of Oil in James 5:14?

Oil: “any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth.”[1] The word is mentioned 202 times in the Bible. Oil was used for a variety of things. It was used in connection with meal offerings (Leviticus 2:1), it was offered to God willingly (Exodus 25:6), it was used in the tabernacle on the golden lampstand (Exodus 27:20), it was used with bread (Exodus 29:2), priests and futural kings were anointed with oil (Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:12; 1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13; 1 Kings 1:39), as was the Son of God (Luke 7:46), and it was used to heal (Luke 10:34) and clean (Esther 2:12). The Bible mentions specific types of oil like olive oil (Leviticus 24:2), holy oil (Psalm 89:20), fresh oil (Psalm 92:10), excellent oil (Psalm 141:5), and pure oil (1 Kings 5:11). Oil is surely a Bible topic, but what about James’ reference to oil in response to one who is sick (James 5:14)? Bible questions demand Bible answers; let’s study about it! The reader is encouraged to read James 5:13-15 before reading this article any further.

Context is Key.

Context unlocks many doors. James wrote to Christians living in the first century (James 1:1). The first century was surrounded by miraculous events performed by those upon whose hands the apostles touched (Acts 8:14-18). This is the background for James’ epistle. Miraculous events happened all over the place, but for a specific purpose (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:4). James’ context is nestled in a world of miraculous deeds.  

A Look at a Specific Miraculous Gift.  

There were nine miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Specifically, for our study, the third one (faith) is important. This is not faith that is produced by the Word of God (Romans 10:17), nor is it the Gospel system of faith (Jude 3). Instead, it is miraculous. Knox Jr., said, “This probably deals with the faith which allowed those who had miraculous abilities to perform the tasks given them.”[2] James likely referenced this gift when writing about the “prayer of faith” (James 5:15). This prayer of faith was the saving power of the sick. James called the elders of the church to pray so that one may be healed, therefore, by implication, we conclude that the elders had the apostles’ hands’ laid on them, and could thereby, perform this deed.[3]

The Oil Was Symbolic.

Oil was used to heal people (Luke 10:34), but not in this case. James specifically stated that the “the prayer of faith shall save the sick.” It was the miraculous gift by the Holy Spirit that performed the work. What was the oil used for here then? It was used as a symbol, “as a token of the power of God by which the healing was accomplished.”[4] Mark also recorded oil being used in conjunction with the miraculous deed (Mark 6:13). We know this oil wasn’t medicinal, seeing all miracles healed completely and independently. This oil was used to declare God’s ability, not to heal the sick.

Application for Us.

What lessons does James’ passage teach for us today?

                Prayer can heal, but not like these elders’ prayers (Ephesians 3:20; James 5:16; cf. Matthew 7:7-8).  This prayer was different than prayers we pray today. For them, in this instance, it was miraculous, for us, it is providential. We should still pray for the sick, knowing that God through providence can do anything. One should remember though that one may not be healed just by asking for it. A man who prays to God to help him be healthy and then five minutes later drinks a soda, candy, and hamburger will not be healthy. God will help but man must do His part.

                Let’s pray more for each other. Paul told his Thessalonian brethren, “Pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). The Hebrews’ writer echoed such a sentiment (Hebrews 13:18). How benefited would the church be today if each member prayed more for their brethren? Here are a few helpful tips on how to do this:

• Pray for those on the sick list once a week.

• Pray for every member of the congregation once a week.

• Ask about those who are needing prayers and add them to your list.

If an inspired apostle commanded Christians in a miraculous age to pray—how much more should we be willing to heed the command?

While passages like these may be tricky to understand by a brief reading of the verse, diligent study allows us to appreciate the words of the Spirit, so we can live better lives for Jesus.

Endnotes

[1]Merriam Webster.

[2]R.F. Knox, Jr., First Corinthians, Sain Publications, 2009, 317.

[3]Winfred Clark—Wayne Dunaway, The Man Who Has Faith, Win-Way Publications, 1985, 86-87.

[4]Guy N. Woods, James, Gospel Advocate, 1991, 301. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR USED MANY COMMENTARIES IN PREPARATION FOR THIS ARTICLE