Topical Encyclopedia
Anointing, in biblical terms, refers to the practice of applying oil to a person or object as a symbol of consecration, sanctification, or divine empowerment. This ritual is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel and carries significant theological implications throughout the Scriptures.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, anointing was primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and sacred objects. The practice signified the setting apart of individuals or items for God's service. The first explicit mention of anointing is found in
Genesis 28:18, where Jacob anoints a pillar to commemorate his encounter with God. The anointing of priests is detailed in
Exodus 28:41, where God commands Moses, "After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests."
The anointing of kings is another significant aspect, as seen in the anointing of Saul by Samuel in
1 Samuel 10:1: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" Similarly, David was anointed by Samuel in
1 Samuel 16:13, marking him as the chosen king of Israel.
Anointing oil itself was a sacred mixture, as described in
Exodus 30:22-25, and was not to be used for ordinary purposes. The oil symbolized the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, setting apart the anointed for divine purposes.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, anointing takes on a more spiritual dimension, often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is frequently referred to as the "Anointed One," or "Messiah," which in Greek is "Christos." This title underscores His divine mission and authority. In
Luke 4:18, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor."
The practice of anointing continues in the New Testament church, particularly in the context of healing and prayer.
James 5:14 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." This passage highlights the continued significance of anointing as a means of invoking God's healing power and presence.
Symbolism and Spiritual SignificanceAnointing symbolizes the empowerment and presence of the Holy Spirit. It signifies God's choice and blessing upon an individual or object, setting them apart for His purposes. The anointed person is often seen as being under God's protection and guidance, equipped for a specific task or role within His divine plan.
Throughout Scripture, anointing serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the special calling of those He chooses to serve Him. It is a tangible expression of His grace and favor, marking the anointed as participants in His redemptive work in the world.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Anointingin Holy Scripture, is either, I. Material--with oil--or II. Spiritual--with the Holy Ghost. I. MATERIAL.--
- Ordinary . Anointing the body or head with oil was a common practice with the Jews, as with other Oriental nations. (28:40;Ruth 3:3;Micah 6:15) Anointing the head with oil or ointment seems also to have been a mark of respect sometimes paid by a host to his guests. (Luke 7:46) and Psal 23:5
- Official . It was a rite of inauguration into each of the three typical offices of the Jewish commonwealth. a. Prophets were occasionally anointed to their office, (1 Kings 19:16) and were called messiahs, or anointed. (1 Chronicles 16:22;Psalms 105:15) b. Priests, at the first institution of the Levitical priesthood, were all anointed to their offices, (Exodus 40:15;Numbers 3:3) but afterwards anointing seems to have been specially reserved for the high priest, (Exodus 29:29;Leviticus 16:32) so that "the priest that is anointed," (Leviticus 4:3) is generally thought to mean the high priest. c. Kings. Anointing was the principal and divinely-appointed ceremony in the inauguration of the Jewish Kings. (1 Samuel 9:16;10:1;1 Kings 1:34,39) The rite was sometimes performed more than once. David was thrice anointed. d. Inanimate objects also were anointed with oil, in token of their being set apart for religious service. Thus Jacob anointed a pillar at Bethel. ((Genesis 31:13;Exodus 30:26-28)
- Ecclesiastical . Anointing with oil is prescribed by St. James to be used for the recovery of the sick. (James 5:14) Analogous to this is the anointing with oil practiced by the twelve. (Mark 6:13) II. SPIRITUAL.--
- In the Old Testament a Deliverer is promised under the title of Messiah, or Anointed, (Psalms 2:2;Daniel 9:25,26) and the nature of his anointing is described to be spiritual, with the Holy Ghost. (Isaiah 61:1) see Luke 4:18 In the New Testament Jesus of Nazareth is shown to be the Messiah, or Christ or Anointed, of the Old Testament, (John 1:41;Acts 9:22;17:2,3;18:4,28) and the historical fact of his being anointed with the Holy Ghost is asserted and recorded. (John 1:32,33;Acts 4:27;10:38) Christ was anointed as prophet priest and king.
- Spiritual anointing with the Holy Ghost is conferred also upon Christians by God. (2 Corinthians 1:21) " Anointing "expresses the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit upon Christians who are priests and kings unto God.
ATS Bible Dictionary
AnointingWas a custom in general use among the Hebrews and other oriental nations, and its omission was one sign of mourning,Isaiah 61:3. They anointed the hair, head, and beard,Psalm 104:15 133:2. At their feasts and rejoicings they anointed the whole body; but sometimes only the head or feet,Psalm 23:5Matthew 6:17John 12:3. It was a customary mark of respect to guests,Luke 7:38,46. The use of oil upon the skin was thought to be conducive to health. Anointing was then used, and is still, medicinally,Mark 6:13James 5:14; but the miraculous cures thus wrought by the apostles furnish no warrant for the ceremony just before death called "extreme unction." The anointing of dead bodies was also practiced, to preserve them from corruption,Mark 14:8 16:1 Lu 23:56. They anointed kings and high priests at their inauguration,Exodus 29:7,29 Le 4:3 Jud 9:81 Samuel 9:161 Kings 19:15,15, as also the sacred vessels of the tabernacle and temple,Exodus 30:26. This anointing of sacred persons and objects signified their being set apart and consecrated to the service of God; and the costly and fragrant mixture appointed for this purpose was forbidden for all others,Exodus 30:23-33Ezekiel 23:41.
The custom of anointing with oil or perfume was also common among the Greeks and Romans; especially the anointing of guests at feasts and other entertainments.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Anoint.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ANOINTINGa-noint'-ing: A distinction was made by the ancient Hebrews between anointing with oil in private use, as in making one's toilet (cukh), and anointing as a religious rite (mashach).
1. Ordinary Use:
(1) As regards its secular or ordinary use, the native olive oil, alone or mixed with perfumes, was commonly used for toilet purposes, the very poor naturally reserving it for special occasions only (Ruth 3:3). The fierce protracted heat and biting lime dust of Palestine made the oil very soothing to the skin, and it was applied freely to exposed parts of the body, especially to the face (Psalm 104:15).
(2) The practice was in vogue before David's time, and traces of it may be found throughout the Old Testament (seeDeuteronomy 28:40Ruth 3:32 Samuel 12:20;2 Samuel 14:2;2 Samuel 2 Chron 28:15;Ezekiel 16:9Micah 6:15Daniel 10:3) and in the New Testament (Matthew 6:17, etc.). Indeed it seems to have been a part of the daily toilet throughout the East.
(3) To abstain from it was one token of mourning (2 Samuel 14:2; compareMatthew 6:17), and to resume it a sign that the mourning was ended (2 Samuel 12:20;2 Samuel 14:2Daniel 10:3; Judith 10:3). It often accompanied the bath (Ruth 3:32 Samuel 12:20Ezekiel 16:9; Susanna 17), and was a customary part of the preparation for a feast (Ecclesiastes 9:8Psalm 23:5). One way of showing honor to a guest was to anoint his head with oil (Psalm 23:5Luke 7:46); a rarer and more striking way was to anoint his feet (Luke 7:38). InJames 5:14, we have an instance of anointing with oil for medicinal purposes, for which see OIL.
2. Religious Use:
Anointing as a religious rite was practiced throughout the ancient East in application both to persons and to things.
(1) It was observed in Canaan long before the Hebrew conquest, and, accordingly, Weinel (Stade's Zeutschrift, XVIII, 50) holds that, as the use of oil for general purposes in Israel was an agricultural custom borrowed from the Canaanites, so the anointing with sacred oil was an outgrowth from its regular use for toilet purposes. It seems more in accordance with the known facts of the case and the terms used in description to accept the view set forth by Robertson Smith (Religion of the Semites, 2nd ed., 233, 383; compare Wellhausen, Reste des arabischen Heidenthums, 2nd ed., 125) and to believe that the cukh or use of oil for toilet purposes, was of agricultural and secular origin, and that the use of oil for sacred purposes, mashach, was in origin nomadic and sacrificial. Robertson Smith finds the origin of the sacred anointing in the very ancient custom of smearing the sacred fat on the altar (matstsebhah), and claims, rightly it would seem, that from the first there was a distinct and consistent usage, distinguishing the two terms as above.
(2) The primary meaning of mashach in Hebrew, which is borne out by the Arabic, seems to have been "to daub" or "smear." It is used of painting a ceiling inJeremiah 22:14, of anointing a shield inIsaiah 21:5, and is, accordingly, consistently applied to sacred furniture, like the altar, inExodus 29:36 andDaniel 9:24, and to the sacred pillar inGenesis 31:13: "where thou anointedst a pillar."
(3) The most significant uses of mashach, however, are found in its application, not to sacred things, but to certain sacred persons. The oldest and most sacred of these, it would seem, was the anointing of the king, by pouring oil upon his head at his coronation, a ceremony regarded as sacred from the earliest times, and observed religiously not in Israel only, but in Egypt and elsewhere (seeJudges 9:8, 151 Samuel 9:16;1 Samuel 10:1;2 Samuel 19:101 Kings 1:39, 45;2 Kings 9:3, 6;2 Kings 11:12). Indeed such anointing appears to have been reserved exclusively for the king in the earliest times, which accounts for the fact that "the Lord's anointed" became a synonym for "king" (see1 Samuel 12:3, 5;1 Samuel 26:112 Samuel 1:14;Psalm 20:6). It is thought by some that the practice originated in Egypt, and it is known to have been observed as a rite in Canaan at a very early day. Tell el-Amarna Letters 37 records the anointing of a king.
(4) Among the Hebrews it was believed not only that it effected a transference to the anointed one of something of the holiness and virtue of the deity in whose name and by whose representative the rite was performed, but also that it imparted a special endowment of the spirit of Yahweh (compare1 Samuel 16:13Isaiah 61:1). Hence the profound reverence for the king as a sacred personage, "the anointed" (Hebrew, meshiach YHWH), which passed over into our language through the Greek Christos, and appears as "Christ".
(5) In what is known today as the Priestly Code, the high priest is spoken of as "anointed" (Exodus 29:7Leviticus 4:3;Leviticus 8:12), and, in passages regarded by some as later additions to the Priestly Code, other priests also are thus spoken of (Exodus 30:30;Exodus 40:13-15). Elijah was told to anoint Elisha as a prophet (1 Kings 19:16), but seems never to have done so.1 Kings 19:16 gives us the only recorded instance of such a thing as the anointing of a prophet.Isaiah 61:1 is purely metaphorical (compare Dillmann onLeviticus 8:12-14 with ICC onNumbers 3:3; see also Nowack, Lehrbuch der hebraischen Archaologie, II, 124).
LITERATURE.
Jewish Encyclopedia, article "Anointing"; BJ, IV, ix, 10, DB, article "Anointing," etc.
George B. Eager
OIL, ANOINTING
(shemen hamishchah): This holy oil, the composition of which is described inExodus 30:22-33, was designed for use in the anointing of the tabernacle, its furniture and vessels, the altar and laver, and the priest, that being thus consecrated, they might be "most holy." It was to be "a holy anointing oil" unto Yahweh throughout all generations (30:31). On its uses, compareExodus 37:29Leviticus 8:12;Leviticus 10:7;Leviticus 21:10. The care of this holy oil was subsequently entrusted to Eleazar (Numbers 4:16); in later times it seems to have been prepared by the sons of the priests (1 Chronicles 9:30). There is a figurative allusion to the oil on Aaron's head inPsalm 133:2.
SeeOIL;ANOINTING.
James Orr
Greek
5545. chrisma -- ananointing, unction... an
anointing, unction. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: chrisma Phonetic
Spelling: (khris'-mah) Short Definition: an
anointing Definition: an
...218. aleipho -- anoint.
... aleipho Phonetic Spelling: (al-i'-fo) Short Definition: I anoint Definition: I anoint:
festivally, in homage, medicinally, or inanointing the dead....
5548. chrio -- to anoint
... to anoint. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: chrio Phonetic Spelling:
(khree'-o) Short Definition: I anoint Definition: I anoint, consecrate byanointing....
3464. muron -- ointment
... ointment. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: muron Phonetic Spelling:
(moo'-ron) Short Definition:anointing-oil, ointment Definition:anointing-oil...
218b. aleipho -- to anoint
... Word Origin from the same root as lipos (fat, oil) Definition to anoint NASB Word
Usage anoint (3), anointed (3),anointing (3). 218a, 218b. aleipho. 219 ....
Strong's Hebrew
5480a. suk -- to pour (inanointing), anoint... 5480, 5480a. suk. 5480b . to pour (in
anointing), anoint. Transliteration:
suk Short Definition: anoint. Word Origin a prim. root
...5480. cuwk -- to pour (inanointing), anoint
... 5479, 5480. cuwk. 5480a . to pour (inanointing), anoint. Transliteration:
cuwk Phonetic Spelling: (sook) Short Definition: anoint. anoint self, at all...
8081. shemen -- fat, oil
... wild* (1).anointing, fat things, fruitful, oiled, ointment, olive, pine.
From shaman; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive...
4888b. mishchah -- ointment, consecrated portion
... 4888a, 4888b. mishchah. 4889 . ointment, consecrated portion.
Transliteration: mishchah Short Definition:anointing. Word Origin...
4886. mashach -- to smear, anoint
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to smear, anoint NASB Word Usage anoint (21),
anointed (42),anointing (1), oil (1), painting (1), spread (4)....
3323. yitshar -- fresh oil
... anointed oil. From tsahar; oil (as producing light); figuratively,anointing -- +
anointed oil. see HEBREW tsahar. 3322, 3323. yitshar. 3324 . Strong's Numbers
4887. meshach -- oil
... oil. Word Origin (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to mashach Definition
oil NASB Word Usageanointing oil (1), oil (1). oil. (Aramaic...
Library
Anointing of the Sick
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCHAnointing of the sick. 8,8,8,8Anointing of the sick.
O Gracious Christ, Thy power reveal,. And let Thy sin-sick servant live;...
TheAnointing of Jesus.
... I. THEANOINTING OF JESUS. "Jesus therefore six days before the Passover came
to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead....
Anointing the Feet of Jesus.
...ANOINTING THE FEET OF JESUS. On one occasion, a proud Pharisee... He bade her
go in peace. [Illustration:ANOINTING THE FEET OF JESUS.]....
Anointing.
... Book I. Chapter XLVI."Anointing. "But now also I shall, by a very short
representation, recall you to the recollection of all these things....
April 21. "TheAnointing which Ye have Received" (I. John ii. 27).
... APRIL 21. "Theanointing which ye have received" (I. John ii. 27). "The
anointing which ye have received" (I. John ii.27). This...
Unxia, My Opponent Says, Presides Over theAnointing of Door-Posts...
... Book III. 25 Unxia, my opponent says, presides over theanointing of
door-posts? Unxia, my opponent says, presides over theanointing...
Christ with Chrism, Lo!
... 3. Since then she, that sinner, stood in need of forgiveness, theanointing was
for her an offering, and by it her love reconciled her Lord....
On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... Lesson 25 ON EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS. "Unction" means theanointing or rubbing
with oil or ointment.... Therefore Extreme Unction means the lastanointing....
1 John ii. 26, 27
... CHAPTER II. 1 John ii. 26, 27. John concludes by a reference to the inwardanointing
of those whom he addresses, in contrast with those false teachers....
Anointed and Stablished
... of the Gospel to steady and confirm, but also to the fact that God Himself communicates
to the believing soul Christian stability by theanointing which He...
Thesaurus
Anointing (39 Occurrences)... n.) of Anoint. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
ANOINTING.
... In James 5:14, we have
an instance of
anointing with oil for medicinal purposes, for which see OIL.
...Anointing-portion (1 Occurrence)
Anointing-portion.Anointing-oil,Anointing-portion. Anon .
Multi-Version ConcordanceAnointing-portion (1 Occurrence)....
Anointing-oil (1 Occurrence)
Anointing-oil.Anointing,Anointing-oil.Anointing-portion . Multi-Version
ConcordanceAnointing-oil (1 Occurrence). Exodus 35:15...
Fragrant (30 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS RSV NIV). Exodus 25:6 oil for the light; spices for theanointing oil,
and for the incense of fragrant drugs; (DBY NAS RSV NIV)....
Drugs (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Drugs (8 Occurrences). Exodus 25:6 oil for the light;
spices for theanointing oil, and for the incense of fragrant drugs; (DBY)....
Anoint (59 Occurrences)
... The practice ofanointing with perfumed oil was common among the Hebrews....Anointing
a king was equivalent to crowning him (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 2:4, etc.)....
Ointment (29 Occurrences)
... (n.) Any soft substance used for smearing oranointing, usually for soothing or
healing. Int.... For the uses of scented oils or ointments seeANOINTING; OIL....
Spices (64 Occurrences)
... They were used in the sacredanointing oil (Exodus 25:6; 35:8; 1 Chronicles 9:29),
and in embalming the dead (2 Chronicles 16:14; Luke 23:56; 24:1; John 19:39...
Unction (2 Occurrences)
... (1 John 2:20, 27; RV, "anointing").... 1. (n.) The act ofanointing, especially for
medical purposes, or as a symbol of consecration; as, mercurial unction....
Consecrated (101 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:21 You shall take of the blood that is on the altar, and of theanointing
oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron, and on his garments, and on his sons, and on...
Resources
What is the new anointing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about anointing oil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the anointing? What does it mean to be anointed? | GotQuestions.orgAnointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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