What is the anointing?

The concept of “anointing” in the Bible refers to the act of being set apart, empowered, or blessed by God, often through the symbolic act of applying oil. The anointing represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life, equipping them for a specific purpose or calling. This biblical concept appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments in physical and spiritual forms.


1. Old Testament: Anointing with Oil as Symbolic of Consecration

  • Setting Apart for Service: In the Old Testament, anointing often involved the use of oil to consecrate individuals for special roles, such as priests, prophets, and kings. Exodus 30:30 instructs, “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.” This consecration signified that the individual was set apart for God’s work and endowed with His authority and power.
  • Kingly Anointing: Kings were also anointed to signify that they were chosen by God for leadership. 1 Samuel 16:13 describes how Samuel anointed David as king: “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” The act of anointing was associated with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for the role of kingship.

2. Spiritual Anointing: The Holy Spirit’s Presence and Power

  • Anointing as Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The anointing is frequently connected with the Holy Spirit, symbolizing His power and presence in a believer’s life. Isaiah 61:1 prophesies about the Messiah, saying, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Jesus later applies this passage to Himself in Luke 4:18-19, demonstrating that His ministry was empowered by the Holy Spirit’s anointing.
  • The Anointing in Believers: In the New Testament, anointing is not limited to certain individuals but is given to all believers through the Holy Spirit. 1 John 2:20 states, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” This passage indicates that all who are in Christ receive the Holy Spirit, who teaches and guides them.

3. Anointing for Healing and Blessing

  • Anointing for Healing: Anointing with oil is also used in the New Testament as a means of healing. James 5:14 instructs, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” Here, the anointing with oil, combined with prayer, represents faith and invites God’s healing power.
  • Blessing and Protection: Anointing can signify God’s blessing and protection over individuals and objects. For instance, Psalm 23:5 reflects God’s care and blessing: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” This verse uses anointing as a metaphor for God’s abundant provision and favor.

4. Jesus Christ: The “Anointed One”

  • The Messiah as God’s Anointed: The term “Christ” means “Anointed One” (from the Greek Christos, which corresponds to the Hebrew Mashiach, meaning “Messiah”). Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the anointed roles of prophet, priest, and king. Acts 10:38 describes Him as “anointed…with the Holy Spirit and power,” going about “doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”
  • Jesus’ Anointing Extends to Believers: Jesus’ anointing extends to His followers, who are empowered by the Holy Spirit for ministry and service. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 says, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts.” This passage assures believers that they share in Christ’s anointing through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

5. Anointing as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Power

  • Anointing as Authority: In Scripture, anointing confers authority, signaling God’s choice of individuals to represent Him. Psalm 89:20-21 says, “I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him.” This anointing affirmed David’s calling and gave him divine authority and strength.
  • Anointing as Empowerment for Service: God’s anointing empowers believers to serve, witness, and fulfill His mission. Acts 1:8 explains, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” The anointing enables believers to accomplish tasks beyond their natural abilities.

Summary

Anointing is a biblical term that refers to God’s setting apart, empowering, and blessing of individuals through the Holy Spirit for specific roles and purposes. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil represented consecration and divine authority, particularly for priests, prophets, and kings. In the New Testament, the anointing represents the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in every believer’s life, enabling them to live, serve, and minister in alignment with God’s will (1 John 2:20, Luke 4:18). Through the anointing, believers are called, empowered, and blessed for holy living, service, and mission.