Anointing in Scripture: Function, Meaning, and Fulfillment

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**Anoint (Heb. māšǎḥ; Gr. chriō)**

The Hebrew verb māšǎḥ and the Greek verb chriō both mean “to smear” or “to anoint,” and they signify the application of oil or ointment for a specific purpose. The meaning is not limited to ritual usage, though that is central. Biblically, anointing always implies a designation or separation of someone or something for a divine purpose. While the physical act involves oil, the real significance lies in what the act represents—Jehovah’s appointment or approval.

Literal Use: Priests, Kings, and Sacred Objects

In the Old Testament, māšǎḥ is used to describe the anointing of individuals and objects to consecrate them for holy service. Exodus 30:30 records Jehovah’s instruction to Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests: “You shall anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.” Leviticus 8:12 shows this enacted: “He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him.”

Kings were also anointed to signify their appointment by Jehovah. 1 Samuel 10:1 shows Samuel anointing Saul: “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, ‘Has not Jehovah anointed you to be prince over his people?’” Likewise, David was anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), and later Solomon was anointed by Zadok the priest (1 Kings 1:39). The oil was a physical symbol of Jehovah’s choice.

Objects used in worship were also anointed. Exodus 40:9–11 details the anointing of the tabernacle and its furnishings, making them holy. 2 Chronicles 7:16 records Jehovah’s declaration: “I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever.”

Practical and Social Use

Not all anointing was ritualistic. Oil was applied for healing and refreshing. In Isaiah 1:6, wounds are treated with oil, showing its use medicinally. In Luke 10:34, the Good Samaritan pours oil and wine on wounds. In social settings, oil symbolized joy and hospitality. Psalm 23:5 says, “You anoint my head with oil,” a reference to honor and refreshment. In Luke 7:46, Jesus rebukes Simon for not anointing his head, while the woman anointed Jesus’ feet in reverent devotion. Ruth 3:3 and Esther 2:12 also show oil used in preparation for meeting a man of status or royalty.

Messiah: The Anointed One

The Hebrew māšîaḥ (Messiah) and Greek Christos (Christ) both mean “Anointed One.” The title refers to someone whom Jehovah has appointed to a unique role by spiritual anointing. Luke 4:18, quoting Isaiah 61:1, shows Jesus applying this to Himself: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” This was not oil poured by human hands, but a direct anointing by Jehovah through the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38): “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.”

Jesus was thus anointed to serve as Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22), Priest (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:5–6), and King (Psalm 2:6–7; John 18:37). This triple office was never united in any one man before Him. Each Old Testament anointing—of prophet, priest, or king—foreshadowed the perfect Anointed One.

Symbolic and Spiritual Anointing

In the New Testament, chriō is reserved for Christ, while the related verb aleiphō (used in James 5:14) refers to the literal application of oil. Believers, however, are said to be “anointed” spiritually. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:21–22, “Now it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us, and who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” This spiritual anointing marks the believer as set apart for God’s service and gives them insight into His will through His Word (1 John 2:20, 27).

It is critical to distinguish between symbolic anointing (as with oil) and spiritual anointing (which comes from God through understanding and obedience to the truth). No Scripture ever describes this spiritual anointing as a mystical or emotional experience. It is never associated with ecstatic phenomena but always with knowledge, discernment, and faithfulness.

James 5:14–16: Not Mystical Healing

In James 5:14–15, elders are told to anoint the sick with oil “in the name of the Lord.” The passage is sometimes misunderstood as prescribing supernatural healing through oil, but the Greek verb aleiphō is not chriō. The anointing here reflects the common medicinal use of oil, not a priestly or prophetic act. The power lies not in the oil, but in “the prayer of faith,” which will raise up the sick and bring forgiveness. It is the act of calling upon Jehovah through prayer that heals, not the oil itself.

Final Observations

In Scripture, anointing signifies Jehovah’s choice, approval, or setting apart of individuals or things for His purpose. The physical act—whether with oil or not—is never the focus. What matters is who does the anointing (Jehovah), why it is done (for His service), and what it represents (His authority, favor, or Spirit).

Anointing, then, is not a mystical force or ritual to be repeated at will. It is a solemn recognition of Jehovah’s appointment, whether in the anointing of kings, priests, the Messiah, or believers who faithfully respond to His Word.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).