"In Proverbs 21:20 we read: “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.” 

Question: Why would the possession of oil in one’s house be a sign of wisdom? At least 33 different essential oils or aromatic oil-producing plants are mentioned in the Bible.

The word “oil” is mentioned 191 times in the Bible. While “olive oil” is specifically mentioned only 7 times, there are 147 instances where it can be inferred. Olive oil was not only a food, but was burned in lamps for light and used as a base for blending other oils for religious or medicinal purposes. As in Exodus 30:22-31.

“Incense” is mentioned 68 times in the Bible. In 54 of these the oils of frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, and onycha are indicated. In other instances, the Hebrew word translated into English as “incense” was “lebonah”, which is actually frankincense. In only eight of the instances where incense is mentioned are the oils in the formula not identifiable.

In Psalm 45:7-8. Proverbs 27:9, Isaiah 61:3 and Hebrews 1:9 we read of “The Oil of Joy” or “Gladness” and how oils “rejoice the heart.” Essential oils are also referred to in the Bible as “Fragrances,” “odors,” “ointments,” “aromas,” “perfumes,” or “sweet savors.” There are over 600 references to essential oils and/or the aromatic plants from which they were extracted in the Bible.

Reprinted with permission to be given as handouts for Bible Oils Programs. From the Book: "Healing Oils of the Bible", Copywrited 2002 by David Stewart "