Oil - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Oil
[ 1,,G1637, elaion ]olive oil," is mentioned over 200 times in the Bible. Different kinds were known in Palestine. The "pure," RV (AV, "beaten"), mentioned in Exodus 27:20; Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 24:2; Numbers 28:5 (now known as virgin oil), extracted by pressure, without heat, is called "golden" in Zechariah 4:12. There were also inferior kinds. In the NT the uses mentioned were
(a) for lamps, in which the "oil" is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 25:3-Matthew 25:4, Matthew 25:8;
(b) as a medicinal agent, for healing, Luke 10:34;
(c) for anointing at feasts, Luke 7:46;
(d) on festive occasions, Hebrews 1:9, where the reference is probably to the consecration of kings;
(e) as an accompaniment of miraculous power, Mark 6:13, or of the prayer of faith, James 5:14. For its general use in commerce, See Luke 16:6; Revelation 6:6; Revelation 18:13.