The term "anointest" is an archaic form of the verb "anoint," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including older versions such as the King James Version. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of anointing is expressed in more contemporary language, but the theological significance remains consistent across translations. Anointing in the biblical context involves the application of oil to a person or object, symbolizing consecration, blessing, or empowerment by God.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Old Testament Significance: Anointing in the Old Testament is primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and prophets. It signifies God's selection and empowerment for a specific role or task. For instance, in Exodus 30:30 , God commands Moses, "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests." This act of anointing set the priests apart for holy service.

2. Anointing of Kings: The anointing of kings is a significant theme in the Old Testament. Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1) and later anoints David, signifying God's choice and blessing upon them as leaders of His people. In 1 Samuel 16:13 , it is recorded, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."

3. Prophetic Anointing: Prophets were also anointed, symbolizing their divine appointment to speak God's word. Elijah is instructed to anoint Elisha as his successor in 1 Kings 19:16 , demonstrating the continuation of God's prophetic voice through anointed individuals.

4. Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning: Anointing oil is often seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The act of anointing represents the presence and power of God resting upon an individual. Psalm 23:5 beautifully captures this imagery: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Here, anointing signifies blessing, abundance, and divine favor.

5. Messianic Fulfillment: The concept of anointing finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose title "Christ" means "Anointed One." In Luke 4:18 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor." This proclamation affirms Jesus as the divinely anointed Savior, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.

6. New Testament Application: In the New Testament, anointing continues to hold spiritual significance. Believers are described as having an anointing from the Holy One (1 John 2:20), indicating the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. 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 practice underscores the role of anointing in healing and spiritual care within the Christian community.

Theological Implications

Anointing in the Bible is a profound act that signifies God's choice, blessing, and empowerment. It marks individuals for divine service and sets them apart for holy purposes. The anointing of Jesus as the Messiah fulfills the Old Testament anticipation of a Savior who would be uniquely empowered by God to bring salvation to humanity. In the life of believers, anointing represents the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, equipping and empowering them for service in God's kingdom.

Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My Cup Runneth Over.
... X. THOU ANOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL; MY CUP RUNNETH OVER. In these words
the Psalmist alludes to one of the most touching offices ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/x thou anointest my head.htm

The Shepherd King of Israel
... evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.5. Thou preparest
a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the shepherd king of israel.htm

Psalm of the Good Shepherd
... Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou spreadest before me a table in the
presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/psalm of the good shepherd.htm

Psalm 23.
... me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/psalm 23.htm

Psalm 23.
... me. 5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/little folded hands/psalm 23.htm

PSALM XXIII
... me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/psalm xxiii.htm

The 23Rd Psalm of David.
... wound me. My head with oil anointest, My empty soul appointest Of every
good and pleasure A full o'erflowing measure. The goodness ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/the 23rd psalm of david.htm

God's Loving Care
... Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies, Thou anointest my
head with oil, my cup runs over; Surely goodness and love will follow me all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/gods loving care.htm

The Lord the Good Shepherd. --Ps. xxiii.
... With blessings unmeasured my cup runneth o'er; With perfume and oil, Thou
anointest my head; O! what shall I ask of Thy Providence more? ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn xl the lord the.htm

M. Montgomery. God Our Shepherd.
... 3 In the midst of affliction my table is spread; With blessings unmeasured my cup
runneth o'er; With perfume and oil Thou anointest my head; O, what shall I ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/247 11s m montgomery god.htm

Anointest (1 Occurrence)
...Anointest (1 Occurrence). Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ...
/a/anointest.htm - 6k

Preparest (10 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ...
/p/preparest.htm - 9k

Anointedst (1 Occurrence)

/a/anointedst.htm - 6k

Anointeth (6 Occurrences)

/a/anointeth.htm - 8k

Runneth (36 Occurrences)
... (See JPS ASV DBY). Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ...
/r/runneth.htm - 16k

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