What are anointing spices used for?

Definition and General Overview

Anointing spices are aromatic substances prepared and used to consecrate individuals, objects, and places as holy, as well as to honor and preserve the deceased. They include a range of fragrant plant extracts—like myrrh, aloes, cinnamon, and other botanicals—often mixed with olive oil or combined in dry form. The practice of anointing with scented oils or spices holds deep significance throughout Scripture and the broader ancient Near Eastern world for ceremonial, medicinal, and preservative purposes.

1. Scriptural Foundations in the Old Testament

Exodus 30:22–25 and the Holy Anointing Oil

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take for yourself the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much of sweet-smelling cinnamon (250 shekels), 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a holy anointing oil.’”

According to this command, Moses was instructed to use specific aromatics—myrrh, cinnamon, cane, and cassia—blended in precise proportions. These ingredients were chosen for their fragrant, preservative, and even medicinal qualities recognized in the region. The mixture, infused into olive oil, became the sacred formula designated solely for tabernacle furniture, priests, and items used in worship.

Anointing Spices in Priestly and Ceremonial Functions

Beyond Exodus, other passages indicate that priests used aromatic ingredients for burnt offerings (Leviticus 2:1–2). Anointing oils were especially connected to the ordination of priests and the dedication of sacred altars. The vivid scents served as a tangible reminder of purity, holiness, and divine presence, setting apart both the priests and the objects for God’s service.

Historical and Cultural Background

Archaeological findings in the broader ancient Near East, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian records, attest to the widespread use of myrrh, aloes, and other fragrant resins for mummification and temple ceremonies. Clay tablets and inscriptions also reference valuable trade in spices along the incense route that connected Arabia, Africa, and the Levant.

Such extra-biblical evidence demonstrates that valuable spices and oils were not only used by the people of Israel but were known and prized by neighboring cultures. This helps us understand why spices (such as the ones found in the Exodus 30 formula) were so costly and significant in Scripture.

2. New Testament Usage and Anointing Spices

Anointing of Jesus with Expensive Spices

Before His death, Jesus was anointed by a woman who poured an expensive perfume on His head or feet (depending on the Gospel account) as a sign of devotion and recognition of His mission (Mark 14:3–9). Though not labeled as one of the original Old Testament anointing formulas, the perfume’s extreme cost likely indicates the presence of precious aromatics such as pure nard.

Preparation of Spices for Burial

After the crucifixion of Jesus, there is a noted presence of burial spices. In John 19:39, Nicodemus “brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.” This substantial quantity was fit for royal burials and signified deep reverence for Jesus’s body. Likewise, in Luke 23:56, we read of women who “prepared spices and perfumes” in order to return after the Sabbath to anoint Him properly. That act was both a gesture of honor affirming His status as beloved Teacher and a customary step to help retard decay and manage the odor of burial.

Mark 16:1 also recounts: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint the body of Jesus.” In this instance, the aromatic substances are especially significant, as their intended use for the wrapped body foreshadows the empty tomb and the reality of the Resurrection.

3. Symbolic and Theological Significance

Consecration and Holiness

Anointing signifies setting apart someone or something as consecrated to God's service. Throughout the Old Testament, when kings or priests were anointed, it represented their divine appointment and empowerment. The mixing of spices with oil enriched this symbolic act, embodying both the delight of worship and the seriousness of God’s calling.

Honor and Preservation

From the earliest biblical accounts, anointing spices reflected honor for the deceased, suggesting love, respect, and faith in God’s covenant promises. The abundant spices brought to Jesus’s tomb denote the high regard in which He was held by His followers. They also demonstrate continuity with Jewish customs that recognized the sanctity of the body as God’s creation.

Healing and Refreshment

In some Old Testament contexts and the broader ancient world, certain spices were prized for therapeutic properties. Myrrh and frankincense, for instance, are notable for their soothing effects and potential antiseptic qualities. Although Scripture focuses primarily on their symbolic, ceremonial, and spiritual uses, these background factors enrich our understanding of why certain spices were chosen.

4. Broader Cultural Context and Historical Corroboration

Outside Documents and Anecdotal Cases

Historical writings, such as those from Herodotus (5th century BC), describe the use of spices for embalming in Egypt. Pliny the Elder (1st century AD) also documented the trade and uses of incense and myrrh in the Mediterranean world. These references outside Scripture corroborate that the biblical descriptions accurately reflect the culture and practices of their respective periods.

Archaeological Discoveries

Numerous excavations in regions identified as ancient Israel have recovered pottery vessels containing residue of aromatic oils. Testing these residues has revealed traces of compounds found in substances like myrrh, confirming the practical reality of biblically recorded anointing practices.

5. Practical Lessons and Application

Reverence for God’s Holiness

Because anointing spices were explicitly designated for sacred use, believers learned respect for both the tangible elements of worship and the intangible holiness of God. This extends into modern-day applications, reminding us that certain acts of devotion—though outwardly physical—carry profound spiritual meaning.

Beauty, Honor, and Devotion

The lavish act of anointing Jesus with aromatic perfume underscores not only the high regard afforded to Him but also the call for believers to offer their best to God. Choice spices or costly perfumes can reflect personal sacrifice and highlight the worshiper’s heartfelt devotion.

Symbols of Resurrection and Hope

Finally, the women bringing spices to the tomb of Jesus exemplify faithfulness well beyond His death. Their actions reveal that, even in mourning, hope endures. In fact, the event became an unplanned announcement of the Resurrection (Mark 16:1–6), turning what was to be a burial anointing into a joyful discovery that He had risen.

Conclusion

Anointing spices, whether used for ceremonial consecration or the honoring of the deceased, occupy a significant place in Scripture. Their fragrance, costliness, and wide-ranging applications—from the holy anointing oil of Exodus to the burial spices brought by Nicodemus—underscore the depth of devotion and holiness they represent.

These fragrant substances highlight God’s desire for holiness, the reverential care for the bodies of the departed, and ultimately, the worshiper’s longing to honor the Messiah. As both archaeological records and biblical testimony show, the use of anointing spices is an enduring practice woven into the very fabric of Israel’s history, continuing to speak to truth-seekers about reverence, consecration, and the hope of new life.