Meaning
"olive oil," is mentioned over 200 times in the Bible. Different kinds were known in Palestine. The "pure," RV (AV, "beaten"), mentioned in Exo 27:20, Exo 29:40, Lev 24:2, Num 28:5 (now known as virgin oil), extracted by pressure, without heat, is called "golden" in Zec 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, Mat 1:25-4, Mat 25:8; (b) as a medicinal agent, for healing, Luk 10:34; (c) for anointing at feasts, Luk 7:46; (d) on festive occasions, Heb 1:9, where the reference is probably to the consecration of kings; (e) as an accompaniment of miraculous power, Mar 6:13, or of the prayer of faith, Jam 5:14. For its general use in commerce, see Luk 16:6, Rev 6:6, Rev 18:13.
