The Greek word aleipho

Found nine times in the New Testament (Mt. 6:17; Mk. 6:13; 16:1; Lk. 7:38, 46; Jn. 11:2; 12:3; Jas. 5:14), the Greek noun “aleipho” meant “anoint.”

This noun is one of two terms for “anoint” in the New Testament and this word described the regular practice of “anointing” (i.e. this was a part of regular grooming/personal hygiene. Compare Mt. 6:17). This word was also used to describe the “anointing” done by hosts (Lk. 7:38) and what was done for the sick (Jas. 5:14).

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