μυρίζω
myrízō
G3462 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To anoint or smear with aromatic oil or perfumed ointment. In the context of the Greek world, μυρίζω primarily refers to the act of applying fragrant substances, often as part of personal grooming, ritual purification, hospitality customs, burials, or honorific gestures. The term may refer generally to the use of perfumed unguents, differing from simple oil anointing by emphasizing the fragrant, precious nature of the substance applied.
Semantic Range
to anoint with fragrant ointment, to perfume, to apply aromatic oil, to embalm (with spices/unguent), to honor with perfumed anointing, to treat a body with perfume for burial
Root / Etymology
From μύρον (myron, 'perfumed ointment, aromatic oil'), with the denominative verbal ending -ίζω to form a verb meaning 'to apply μύρον'. Closely related to terms for ointment and perfumed substances; no external (non-Greek) etymology.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, μυρίζω is used for applying άνointment with perfumed substances, often associated with luxury, ritual hospitality, or funerary practices. The verb differs from ἀλείφω, which generally means 'to anoint' with oil (not necessarily perfumed), and from χρίω, which pertains more to ceremonial, religious, or honorific anointing, particularly in religious contexts or metaphorically for consecration. In the Septuagint and New Testament, μυρίζω occurs especially in narratives describing acts of special honor or burial preparations (e.g., John 19:40), denoting respect, affection, or reverence, rather than official consecration. Traditional English translations render μυρίζω as 'anoint,' but they may not capture the emphasis on fragrance and luxury intrinsic to the Greek term; English 'anoint' can overlap with religious or functional unction, but μυρίζω specifically points to the use of fine, aromatic oils often reserved for special occasions. The term is less common than related verbs and appears in Koine texts primarily in connection with burial customs and acts of honor in domestic or ritual settings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μύρον; to apply (perfumed) unguent to:--anoint.
Root Family
μυρ- (myrízō) — to perfume, to anoint with aromatic oil, to smear with ointment
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3462-01 |
μυρίσαι | murisai | V AOR ACT INF |
to anoint | to anoint with fragrant ointment | to anoint with fragrant ointment | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3462-01 |
Mark 14:8 | μυρίσαι | murisai | V AOR ACT INF |
to anoint | to anoint with fragrant ointment | to anoint with fragrant ointment |