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; Psalm 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; Ezek. 16:13), and formed an article of extensive commerce with Tyre (27:17).

The use of it was a sign of gladness (Psalm 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.)

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) Any one of a great variety of unctuous combustible substances, not miscible with water; as, olive oil, whale oil, rock oil, etc. They are of animal, vegetable, or mineral origin and of varied composition, and they are variously used for food, for solvents, for anointing, lubrication, illumination, etc. By extension, any substance of an oily consistency; as, oil of vitriol.

2. (v. t.) To smear or rub over with oil; to lubricate with oil; to anoint with oil.