Olive oil — the essential substance of ancient Mediterranean life, used for anointing, healing, light, cooking, and sacrifice. In the New Testament, elaion appears in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Good Samaritan, healing of the sick, and the anointing of kings.
Elaion (olive oil) threads through the entire biblical narrative. The Spirit of God is compared to anointing oil (1 Samuel 16:13; 1 John 2:27). Kings and priests were anointed with oil. The Greek word for 'anointed' — Christos — is built on the concept of being oiled. When the ten virgins run out of oil (Matthew 25:1–13), the theological point is about preparedness for the coming of the Bridegroom — a prepared heart, filled with the Spirit. The Good Samaritan's oil and wine (Luke 10:34) point forward to the Eucharist's healing grace. In James 5:14, elders pray over the sick and anoint them with oil — a practice of spiritual and physical healing.