χρίω
chríō
G5548 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To anoint or smear with oil, typically as part of a ritual act of consecration to a specific role or office; by extension, to appoint or install someone for a designated function, especially with reference to sacred or authoritative roles. In Koine Greek and related Jewish-Greek texts, primarily denotes the act of ritual anointing with oil, symbolizing sanctification or empowerment for a specific task or office.
Semantic Range
to anoint with oil (ritual consecration), to appoint by anointing (for kingship or priesthood), to consecrate or set apart, to anoint in a prophetic or symbolic sense
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root χρι- (chrī-), related to the act of smearing or rubbing. It is likely connected with χράω (to handle, touch) and shares semantic space with terms for 'rubbing' or 'smearing.' There is no evidence of influence from non-Greek languages; this is a native Greek formation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
χρίω is attested from early Greek literature, where it denotes physical anointing with substances such as oil, often in an ordinary or ritual context (e.g., athletics, grooming, cultic actions). In the Septuagint, it becomes the standard term for the Hebrew מָשַׁח (to anoint), especially in reference to the consecration of kings, priests, and sometimes prophets, closely linking the word to acts of installation and divine commission. In the New Testament, χρίω is exclusively used with reference to anointing in a symbolic and prophetic context, most notably for those set apart by God (notably, Jesus as 'anointed one'). The noun cognate, χριστός (christos), becomes a title through this association. English translations often render χρίω as 'anoint,' but in many religious contexts the underlying sense includes appointment, empowerment, or consecration rather than mere physical anointing. χρίω is distinct from ἀλείφω, which refers more generally to applying oil for soothing or grooming purposes without ritual or symbolic intent.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably akin to χράομαι through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service:--anoint.
Root Family
χρίω (chriō) — to anoint, to smear, to rub
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5548-03 |
ἔχρισέν | echrisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
anointed | he anointed | 3 |
G5548-01 |
χρίσας | chrisas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having anointed | 1 | |
G5548-02 |
ἔχρισας | echrisas | V AOR ACT IND 2P SG |
you anointed | you anointed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5548-03 |
Luke 4:18 | ἔχρισέν | echrisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he has anointed | he anointed |
G5548-02 |
Acts 4:27 | ἔχρισας | echrisas | V AOR ACT IND 2P SG |
you anointed | you anointed |
G5548-03 |
Acts 10:38 | ἔχρισεν | echrisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
anointed | he anointed |
G5548-01 |
2 Corinthians 1:21 | χρίσας | chrisas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having anointed | |
G5548-03 |
Hebrews 1:9 | ἔχρισέν | echrisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he anointed |