In the Bible, “anointed” refers to the act of setting someone apart for a specific divine purpose, often signified by the pouring of oil. It signifies God’s choice and empowerment for leadership, service, or prophetic roles, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture
16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’
3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.”
4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem.
5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”
11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”
12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
Anointed: Biblical Meaning and Importance
The concept of being “anointed” in the Bible carries profound theological significance, encapsulating the idea of divine selection and empowerment for particular roles within the community of faith. This practice often involved the physical anointing with oil, which served as a tangible symbol of God’s favor and presence. One of the most notable examples can be found in 1 Samuel 16:13, where the prophet Samuel anoints David as king: “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.” Here, the act of anointing not only set David apart but also bestowed upon him the necessary spiritual authority to lead Israel, illustrating that the anointed person is chosen for a unique purpose that aligns with God’s broader plan for His people.
Furthermore, anointing extends beyond kingship and prophetic roles, encompassing various leaders within the biblical narrative, including priests (Exodus 28:41) and even the anointed objects of the temple, emphasizing the pervasive nature of God’s holiness in His dealings with humanity. The significance of anointing culminates in the New Testament with Jesus Christ, referred to as “the Anointed One” or Messiah (Matthew 1:1), who embodies the fulfillment of the anointed roles of prophet, priest, and king. His anointing, marked by the descending of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17), signifies not only His unique mission but also extends the promise of anointing to believers, as they too are called to be agents of God’s grace and truth in the world (1 John 2:20). In essence, the biblical understanding of anointing underlines a sacred relationship between God and His chosen individuals, empowering them to lead, serve, and proclaim His kingdom.
The word “anointed” in Greek is translated as “χριστός” (Christos), which derives from the verb “χρίω” (chriō), meaning “to anoint.” This term is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where it denotes the act of consecrating someone for a sacred purpose, often involving the application of oil. The practice of anointing was common in ancient Israel, symbolizing the empowerment of individuals for specific roles, such as kings, priests, and prophets. Scholars like John N. Collins in “The Anointed One: A Study of the Messianic Concept in the Old Testament” emphasize that the anointing signifies divine selection and authority, marking the individual as set apart for God’s service.
Etymologically, “Christos” is closely related to the Hebrew term “מָשִׁיחַ” (Māšîaḥ), which translates to “Messiah.” This connection highlights the continuity between the Jewish and Christian understandings of anointed figures. The anointing of Jesus as the Christ is a pivotal theme in the New Testament, where he is recognized as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies. Scholars such as Richard Bauckham in “Jesus and the Eyewitnesses” discuss how the anointing of Jesus not only affirms his identity but also establishes his role in the salvation narrative. Thus, the concept of anointing carries profound theological implications, representing both divine approval and the commissioning of individuals for God’s mission.
The Concept of Divine Selection
In biblical contexts, being “anointed” signifies a person chosen by God for a specific purpose or mission. This divine selection often involves a ceremonial act, symbolizing the empowerment of the individual to fulfill God’s will. Anointed individuals, such as kings, priests, and prophets, are seen as representatives of God’s authority on earth, tasked with leading and guiding the people according to divine principles.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Anointing is closely associated with the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. In the Bible, the act of anointing often signifies the infilling or empowerment of the Holy Spirit, enabling the anointed person to perform miraculous deeds, deliver messages from God, or lead the community in righteousness. This connection emphasizes the belief that true leadership and service in God’s kingdom are not merely human endeavors but are divinely inspired and sustained.
Symbol of Healing and Restoration
Anointing also carries connotations of healing and restoration throughout the biblical narrative. The act of anointing with oil is often linked to physical and spiritual healing, symbolizing God’s grace and mercy. This aspect of anointing reflects the broader biblical theme of redemption, where the anointed one serves as a conduit for God’s healing power, bringing restoration to individuals and communities alike.
How to Embrace Divine Purpose for Spiritual Growth
Embracing your divine purpose is a transformative journey that can significantly enhance your spiritual growth as a Christian. Start by cultivating a deep relationship with God through prayer and meditation, allowing His voice to guide you in understanding your unique calling. Reflect on your passions, talents, and the experiences that have shaped you; these often serve as clues to the purpose He has designed for you. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow believers who can encourage and challenge you in your faith. Remember, embracing your divine purpose isn’t just about personal fulfillment; it’s about serving others and glorifying God in all you do. As you step out in faith, trusting that He has a plan for you, you’ll find that your spiritual growth flourishes in ways you never imagined.
Bible References to Anointing and Its Significance:
1 Kings 19:15-16: 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.
16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.
Psalm 23:1-6: 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 45:6-7: 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
Isaiah 61:1-3: 1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Daniel 9:24-27: 24 “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place.”
25 Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks.
26 And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed.
27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.
Luke 4:16-21: 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.
17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Acts 10:34-38: 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,
35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),
37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22: 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us,
22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee,
Hebrews 1:8-9: 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”
1 John 2:20-27: 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.