Anointing
מָשַׁח (Mashach) / χρίω (Chriō)
The application of oil as a sign of God's choosing, empowering, and consecrating
Anointing (mashach in Hebrew, chrio in Greek) means to smear or rub with oil. It symbolized God's selection and empowerment of kings, priests, and prophets. The word 'Messiah' (Mashiach) and 'Christ' (Christos) both mean 'the Anointed One.'
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward." — 1 Samuel 16:13 (KJV)
Key Verses
1 Samuel 16:13
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.”Read in context
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek.”Read in context
1 John 2:27
“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie.”Read in context
The Practice of Anointing
In the ancient Near East, oil was applied to the head or body for various purposes: medicinal healing, cosmetic refreshment, hospitality, and most significantly, sacred consecration. When God commanded someone to be anointed, it was a visible sign that this person had been chosen, separated, and empowered for a specific divine purpose. The oil symbolized the Holy Spirit's presence and power flowing upon the individual.
Anointing Kings, Priests, and Prophets
Three offices in Israel required anointing: kings (1 Samuel 16:13 — David), priests (Exodus 29:7 — Aaron), and prophets (1 Kings 19:16 — Elisha). The anointing oil was a special blend of spices prescribed by God (Exodus 30:22-33), and it was forbidden for common use. To be anointed was to be set apart for God's service, equipped with His Spirit, and publicly recognized as His chosen instrument.
The Anointed One: Messiah and Christ
The Hebrew 'Mashiach' (Messiah) and the Greek 'Christos' (Christ) both mean 'the Anointed One.' Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all three anointed offices: He is Prophet (speaking God's word), Priest (offering Himself as sacrifice), and King (reigning over God's eternal kingdom). When Jesus read Isaiah 61:1 in the synagogue at Nazareth — 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me' — He declared, 'This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears' (Luke 4:21).
The Believer's Anointing
The New Testament teaches that every believer shares in Christ's anointing. 'The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you' (1 John 2:27). This anointing is the Holy Spirit Himself, who indwells, teaches, guides, and empowers every believer. Christians are called 'Christians' — literally, 'anointed ones' — because they share in the anointing of Christ through the Spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the anointing oil made of?
Exodus 30:23-25 specifies the sacred anointing oil: myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. This unique blend was reserved exclusively for sacred purposes — anointing the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. Making it for personal use was strictly forbidden.
What does 'touch not mine anointed' mean?
In Psalm 105:15, God warns, 'Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.' This originally referred to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and later to anyone God had specifically appointed for His service. It is a warning against opposing or harming those God has chosen and commissioned.
Is anointing with oil practiced today?
Yes. James 5:14 instructs, 'Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.' Many churches continue this practice as an act of faith, prayer, and dependence on God for healing.
What is the Hebrew word for "Anointing" in the Bible?
מָשַׁח (Mashach) / χρίω (Chriō), pronounced "mah-SHAKH / KHREE-oh." It means the application of oil as a sign of god's choosing, empowering, and consecrating. It is the word behind "Anointing" in both Testaments, for example in 1 Samuel 16:13.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Anointing (מָשַׁח (Mashach) / χρίω (Chriō))
The application of oil as a sign of God's choosing, empowering, and consecrating
Anoint (Chriō) (χρίω (chriō))
To smear with oil — consecrating a person for sacred office and divine empowerment.
Strong's G5548 — Anoint (Chriō)
χρίω (chriō) • To smear with oil — consecrating a person for sacred office and divine empowerment.
Biblical Meaning of Oil in a Dream (KJV)
The Holy Spirit, anointing, and readiness.
Strong's H4899 — Messiah
מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach) • The Anointed One — God's chosen deliverer and king.
Biblical Meaning of Money in a Dream (KJV)
Provision, stewardship, and the pull of the heart.
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