Thursday, April 26, 2012

James 5:14

"Is any among you un-firm?  Let him call for the elders of the out-called; and let them toward-good-have over him, rubbing him with olive-oil in the name of the Affirmer."

In the Etymological New Testament the request toward those of some experience (elders) in the community, is that they do two things: First, the elders "toward-good-have", that is, they hold this infirm person in goodness (well-being).  Next, they are to be "rubbing him with olive-oil."  One of the stated purposes of ultra literal translation is that we might slow down and think through the text again.

Was James teaching a new "church sacrament"?  Was he teaching "faith healing?"  Different groups have embraced these views.  The etymology of the word "anoint" comes from a root meaning "to rub." 
In the widest sense, James may simply be reflecting the view that there were those experienced persons in their first century community who could pray with someone and then rub them with olive oil...in a non-sacramental and non-faith-healing context.  For many of our feelings of infirmity, even in this 21st century, the best treatment may be others who will hold us in the Light and provide some physical therapy.