King James Bible Dictionary

Only olive oil seems to have been used among the Hebrews. It was used for many purposes- for anointing the body or the hair (Exodus 29:7; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalms 23:5; 92:10; 104:15; Luke 7:46); in some of the offerings (Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 7:12; Numbers 6:15; 15:4), but was excluded from the sin-offering (Leviticus 5:11) and the jealousy-offering (Numbers 5:15); for burning in lamps (Exodus 25:6; 27:20; Matthew 25:3); for medicinal purposes (Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34; James 5:14); and for anointing the dead (Matthew 26:12; Luke 23:56).

It was one of the most valuable products of the country (Deuteronomy 32:13; Ezekiel 16:13), and formed an article of extensive commerce with Tyre (27:17).

The use of it was a sign of gladness (Psalms 92:10; Isaiah 61:3), and its omission a token of sorrow (2 Samuel 14:2; Matthew 6:17). It was very abundant in Galilee. (See OLIVE.)

Sacred
Exodus 30:23-25; Exodus 31:11; Exodus 35:8; Exodus 35:15; Exodus 35:28; Exodus 37:29; Exodus 39:38; Numbers 4:16; 1 Chronicles 9:30

Punishment for profaning
Exodus 30:31-33

Used for idols
Ezekiel 23:41

Illuminating, for tabernacle
Exodus 25:6; Exodus 27:20; Leviticus 24:2-4

For domestic use
Matthew 25:3

Used for food
Leviticus 2:4-5; Leviticus 14:10; Leviticus 14:21; Deuteronomy 12:17; 1 Kings 17:12-16; Proverbs 21:17; Ezekiel 16:13; Hosea 2:5

For the head
Psalms 23:5; Psalms 105:15; Luke 7:46

For anointing kings
1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 16:1; 1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Kings 1:39

Tribute paid in
Hosea 12:1

Commerce in
2 Kings 4:1-7

Petroleum
Job 29:6
Anointing; Ointment

Of the numerous substances, animal and vegetable, which were known to the ancients as yielding oil, the olive berry is the one of which most frequent mention is made in the Scriptures.

1. Gathering ,

   The olive berry was either gathered by hand or shaken off carefully with a light reed or stick.

2. Pressing .

   In order to make oil the fruit, was either bruised in a mortar crushed in a press loaded with wood or stones, ground in a mill, or trodden with the feet. The "beaten" oil of (Exodus 27:20; 29:40; Leviticus 24:2; Numbers 28:6) was probably made by bruising in a mortar, It was used

   (1) As food. Dried wheat, boiled with either butter or oil, but generally the former, is a common dish for all classes in Syria. (Exodus 29:2)
   (2) Cosmetic. Oil was used by the Jews for anointing the body, e.g. after the bath, and giving to the skin and hair a smooth and comely appearance, e.g. before an entertainment.
   (3) Funereal. The bodies of the dead were anointed with oil. (2 Samuel 14:2)
   (4) Medicinal. Isaiah alludes to the use of oil in medical treatment. (Isaiah 1:6) see also Mark 6:13; James 5:14
   (5) For light. The oil for "the light" was expressly ordered to be olive oil, beaten. (Matthew 25:3)
   (6) Ritual. Oil was poured on or mixed with the flour or meal used in offerings. (Leviticus 8:12) Kings, priests and prophets were anointed with oil or ointment.
   (7) In offerings. As so important a necessary of life, the Jew was required to include oil among his firstfruit offerings. (Exodus 22:29; 23:16; Numbers 18:12) Tithes of oil were also required. (12:17) [OLIVE]

OIL, noun It seems to be named from its inflammability, for aelan, is to kindle, and to oil; hence anaelan, to anneal; aeled, fire. Latin oleum; Gr.]

An unctuous substance expressed or drawn from several animal and vegetable substances. The distinctive characters of oil are inflammability, fluidity, and insolubility in water. Oils are fixed or fat, and volatile or essential. They have a smooth feel, and most of them have little taste or smell. Animal oil is found in all animal substances. Vegetable oils are produced by expression, infusion or distillation.

OIL, verb transitive To smear or rub over with oil; to lubricate with oil; to anoint with oil

OIL'-BAG, noun A bag, cyst or gland in animals containing oil

OIL'-COLOR, noun A color made by grinding a coloring substance in oil