In the context of biblical literature, "unction" is often understood figuratively to denote the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This concept is deeply rooted in the symbolism of anointing with oil, a practice that was prevalent in ancient Israel for consecrating priests, kings, and prophets. The figurative use of "unction" extends beyond the physical act to represent the spiritual empowerment and sanctification bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers.

The New Testament provides a clear depiction of this figurative unction. In 1 John 2:20, the apostle John writes, "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth" . Here, the "anointing" is not a physical application of oil but a spiritual endowment that enables believers to discern truth and remain steadfast in their faith. This anointing is understood as the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who guides and teaches the followers of Christ.

The concept of unction as a figurative anointing is also evident in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In Luke 4:18, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" . This passage highlights the divine empowerment Jesus received to fulfill His messianic mission. The anointing by the Spirit signifies His authority and the divine approval of His ministry.

Furthermore, the apostle Paul speaks to the figurative unction in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, stating, "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come" . This passage underscores the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of the believer's inheritance, emphasizing the transformative and confirming power of this spiritual anointing.

The figurative use of unction is also reflected in the Old Testament, where the anointing of individuals for specific roles often prefigures the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. For instance, the anointing of David as king by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13) symbolizes God's choice and empowerment, foreshadowing the spiritual anointing that believers receive through Christ.

In summary, the figurative concept of unction in the Bible represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which empowers, sanctifies, and guides believers. It is a spiritual reality that transcends the physical act of anointing with oil, signifying the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian.1 John 2:20,27
But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things.
Nave's Topical Index

Effects of Baptism and of Chrism.
... to be High Priest, when Moses, "after the washing in water anointed him, and he
was called anointed,' evidently from this figurative unction (tou chrismatos ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter vi effects of baptism and.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... 3: Some of the sacraments of the New Law had corresponding figurative sacraments
in ... The same applies to the sacrament of Extreme Unction, which is an immediate ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Even the Metaphorical Descriptions of this Subject in the ...
... the resurrection by means of the language of the prophets, which is equally figurative. ...
the promise of heavenly bread, and of the oil of God's unction, and the ...
/.../chapter xxvi even the metaphorical descriptions.htm

Eucharistic Doctrine.
... with the figurative representation of the same; and this figurative representation
no ... of Christ:" and again, "there was given to you an Unction, the antitype ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter vii eucharistic doctrine.htm

The Leaven.
... The unction of the Holy One is more subtle and penetrating and subduing than ... these,
as far as I know, the different and opposite figurative significations of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iv the leaven.htm

The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ...
... been called a river of olive oil, Paul, using appropriate figurative language, and ...
for the lamp, plainly indicating by this enigma the abundant unction of the ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vi the name children does.htm

Significant Phrases
... flow and fullness. flowery and figurative. fluctuating and transitory. ... upstart and
braggart. urbanity and unction [unction = exaggerated earnestness]. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section ii significant phrases.htm

Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ...
... are no prophecies of Christ in Moses, with whom began that unction to which ... the
commandments of the law, which, even when they are only figurative, we regard ...
/.../faustus willing to believe not.htm

The Catholic Epistles.
... this kind, should have used the word "sojourners" in a simply figurative sense,
to ... All believers have an abiding unction of the Spirit, which enables them to ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxi the catholic epistles.htm

Psalm XLV.
... of "Christ" comes from "chrism;" this name by which He is called "Christ" expresses
"unction:" nor were ... It was however done as a figurative act: and he departed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlv.htm

Catholic Questions - questions from Catholics and about Catholicism | GotQuestions.org

When did Mary die? How did Mary die? | GotQuestions.org

What happened at the Council of Trent? | GotQuestions.org

Unction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus