Definition and Significance:
Anointing, in biblical terms, refers to the practice of applying oil to a person or object as a symbol of consecration, sanctification, or divine appointment. This ritual signifies the setting apart of individuals or items for a holy purpose, often associated with the empowerment and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, anointing was a common practice for consecrating priests, kings, and prophets. The anointing oil, often a mixture of olive oil and spices, was used to symbolize God's blessing and the Holy Spirit's empowerment.

1. Priests: The anointing of priests is first detailed in Exodus 28:41, where God commands Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons, consecrating them to serve as priests. "After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests" (Exodus 28:41).

2. Kings: Anointing was also a key part of the coronation of kings. Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1) and later anointed David, signifying God's choice and empowerment for leadership. "Then Samuel took the flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" (1 Samuel 10:1).

3. Prophets: Prophets were sometimes anointed to signify their divine calling. Elijah was instructed to anoint Elisha as his successor (1 Kings 19:16).

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, anointing takes on a more spiritual dimension, often associated with the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives.

1. Jesus Christ: Jesus is referred to as the "Anointed One" or "Messiah," fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. His anointing by the Holy Spirit is highlighted at His baptism. "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18).

2. Believers: The anointing of believers is a spiritual reality, signifying the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In 1 John 2:20, it is written, "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth" . This anointing empowers believers for service and discernment.

3. Healing and Ministry: Anointing with oil is also mentioned in the context of healing and ministry. 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" .

Symbolism and Theology:
Anointing symbolizes the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It represents God's choice, blessing, and empowerment for a specific task or role. Theologically, it underscores the concept of being set apart for God's purposes, whether in leadership, service, or spiritual life.

Cultural and Historical Practices:
Historically, anointing was a widespread practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with religious and royal ceremonies. The biblical practice of anointing, however, is distinct in its theological significance, emphasizing divine appointment and empowerment.

Conclusion:
The concept of anointing in the Bible is rich with spiritual meaning, reflecting God's sovereign choice and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of His people. Through anointing, individuals are set apart for divine purposes, equipped to fulfill God's will in their respective roles and ministries.1 John 2:27
But the anointing which you have received of him stays in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Topicalbible.org

James 5:14
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:
Topicalbible.org

5545. chrisma -- an anointing, unction
... an anointing, unction. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: chrisma Phonetic
Spelling: (khris'-mah) Short Definition: an anointing Definition: an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5545.htm - 7k

218. aleipho -- anoint.
... aleipho Phonetic Spelling: (al-i'-fo) Short Definition: I anoint Definition: I anoint:
festivally, in homage, medicinally, or in anointing the dead. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218.htm - 7k

5548. chrio -- to anoint
... to anoint. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: chrio Phonetic Spelling:
(khree'-o) Short Definition: I anoint Definition: I anoint, consecrate by anointing. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5548.htm - 7k

3464. muron -- ointment
... ointment. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: muron Phonetic Spelling:
(moo'-ron) Short Definition: anointing-oil, ointment Definition: anointing-oil ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3464.htm - 7k

218b. aleipho -- to anoint
... Word Origin from the same root as lipos (fat, oil) Definition to anoint NASB Word
Usage anoint (3), anointed (3), anointing (3). 218a, 218b. aleipho. 219 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218b.htm - 5k

5480a. suk -- to pour (in anointing), anoint
... 5480, 5480a. suk. 5480b . to pour (in anointing), anoint. Transliteration:
suk Short Definition: anoint. Word Origin a prim. root ...
/hebrew/5480a.htm - 5k

5480. cuwk -- to pour (in anointing), anoint
... 5479, 5480. cuwk. 5480a . to pour (in anointing), anoint. Transliteration:
cuwk Phonetic Spelling: (sook) Short Definition: anoint. anoint self, at all ...
/hebrew/5480.htm - 5k

8081. shemen -- fat, oil
... wild* (1). anointing, fat things, fruitful, oiled, ointment, olive, pine.
From shaman; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive ...
/hebrew/8081.htm - 6k

4888b. mishchah -- ointment, consecrated portion
... 4888a, 4888b. mishchah. 4889 . ointment, consecrated portion.
Transliteration: mishchah Short Definition: anointing. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/4888b.htm - 5k

4886. mashach -- to smear, anoint
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to smear, anoint NASB Word Usage anoint (21),
anointed (42), anointing (1), oil (1), painting (1), spread (4). ...
/hebrew/4886.htm - 6k

3323. yitshar -- fresh oil
... anointed oil. From tsahar; oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing -- +
anointed oil. see HEBREW tsahar. 3322, 3323. yitshar. 3324 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/3323.htm - 6k

4887. meshach -- oil
... oil. Word Origin (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to mashach Definition
oil NASB Word Usage anointing oil (1), oil (1). oil. (Aramaic ...
/hebrew/4887.htm - 6k

Anointing of the Sick
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH Anointing of the sick. 8,8,8,8 Anointing of the sick.
O Gracious Christ, Thy power reveal,. And let Thy sin-sick servant live; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/anointing of the sick.htm

The Anointing of Jesus.
... I. THE ANOINTING OF JESUS. "Jesus therefore six days before the Passover came
to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead. ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/i the anointing of jesus.htm

Anointing the Feet of Jesus.
... ANOINTING THE FEET OF JESUS. On one occasion, a proud Pharisee ... He bade her
go in peace. [Illustration: ANOINTING THE FEET OF JESUS.]. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/anointing the feet of jesus.htm

Anointing.
... Book I. Chapter XLVI."Anointing. "But now also I shall, by a very short
representation, recall you to the recollection of all these things. ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xlvi anointing.htm

April 21. "The Anointing which Ye have Received" (I. John ii. 27).
... APRIL 21. "The anointing which ye have received" (I. John ii. 27). "The
anointing which ye have received" (I. John ii.27). This ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /april 21 the anointing which.htm

Unxia, My Opponent Says, Presides Over the Anointing of Door-Posts ...
... Book III. 25 Unxia, my opponent says, presides over the anointing of
door-posts? Unxia, my opponent says, presides over the anointing ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/25 unxia my opponent says.htm

Christ with Chrism, Lo!
... 3. Since then she, that sinner, stood in need of forgiveness, the anointing was
for her an offering, and by it her love reconciled her Lord. ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iii christ with chrism.htm

On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... Lesson 25 ON EXTREME UNCTION AND HOLY ORDERS. "Unction" means the anointing or rubbing
with oil or ointment. ... Therefore Extreme Unction means the last anointing. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 25 on extreme unction.htm

1 John ii. 26, 27
... CHAPTER II. 1 John ii. 26, 27. John concludes by a reference to the inward anointing
of those whom he addresses, in contrast with those false teachers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 26 27.htm

Anointed and Stablished
... of the Gospel to steady and confirm, but also to the fact that God Himself communicates
to the believing soul Christian stability by the anointing which He ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/anointed and stablished.htm

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