Psalms 133:2
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Original Language Analysis
כַּשֶּׁ֤מֶן
ointment
H8081
כַּשֶּׁ֤מֶן
ointment
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
1 of 13
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַטּ֨וֹב׀
It is like the precious
H2896
הַטּ֨וֹב׀
It is like the precious
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 13
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָרֹ֗אשׁ
upon the head
H7218
הָרֹ֗אשׁ
upon the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
שֶׁ֝יֹּרֵ֗ד
that ran down
H3381
שֶׁ֝יֹּרֵ֗ד
that ran down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
5 of 13
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שֶׁ֝יֹּרֵ֗ד
that ran down
H3381
שֶׁ֝יֹּרֵ֗ד
that ran down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
10 of 13
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Leviticus 8:12And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.Exodus 29:7Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.Proverbs 27:9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.Exodus 39:24And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.John 12:3Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.Song of Solomon 1:3Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.Psalms 141:5Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.Exodus 28:33And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
Historical Context
Aaron's anointing (Exodus 29) was pivotal. Special oil (Exodus 30:23-33) was sacred, never reproduced. Its abundance signified blessing. Christians applied anointing to Christ (Messiah = Anointed) and Spirit's outpouring.
Questions for Reflection
- How does abundant oil flowing down picture Spirit's work in unified communities?
- What makes Christian unity precious like sacred oil?
- How does this challenge individualistic Christianity neglecting corporate unity?
Analysis & Commentary
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard. References Aaron's anointing (Exodus 29:7). Oil so copious it flowed down beard to robe. Anointing oil symbolized Holy Spirit, consecration. Unity is similarly precious—not manufactured but poured from above.