Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Unction, in biblical and theological contexts, refers to the act of anointing with oil as a symbol of consecration, healing, or empowerment by the Holy Spirit. This practice is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old and New Testaments and holds significant spiritual meaning within the Christian faith.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, unction is primarily associated with the anointing of priests, kings, and prophets, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment for service. The anointing oil, often a blend of olive oil and spices, was used to consecrate individuals and objects for sacred purposes. Exodus 30:25-30 provides a detailed description of the holy anointing oil and its use: "Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a holy anointing oil. Use this oil to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and its utensils, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them will be holy. Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests" . The anointing of kings is another significant aspect of unction in the Old Testament. For instance, the prophet Samuel anointed Saul and later David as kings over Israel, marking them as chosen by God (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13). This act of anointing was not merely ceremonial but was believed to impart the Spirit of the Lord upon the anointed, equipping them for their God-given roles. New Testament Context In the New Testament, unction takes on a broader spiritual significance, often associated with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Anointed One" or "Messiah," embodies the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament anointing. In Luke 4:18-19, 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. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor" . This passage highlights the divine empowerment and mission of Jesus through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The concept of unction extends to all believers in the New Testament, as they are anointed by the Holy Spirit. 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" . This anointing signifies the believer's reception of the Holy Spirit, granting them spiritual insight and discernment. Practical Application The practice of anointing with oil continues in various Christian traditions today, often associated with healing and prayer. James 5:14-15 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. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven" . This passage underscores the belief in the power of prayer and anointing as means of divine healing and restoration. Unction, therefore, remains a vital aspect of Christian practice and theology, symbolizing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, consecrating them for service, and providing spiritual and physical healing. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1 John 2:20, 27; R.V., "anointing"). Kings, prophets, and priests were anointed, in token of receiving divine grace. All believers are, in a secondary sense, what Christ was in a primary sense, "the Lord's anointed." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of anointing, especially for medical purposes, or as a symbol of consecration; as, mercurial unction.2. (n.) That which is used for anointing; an unguent; an ointment; hence, anything soothing or lenitive. 3. (n.) Divine or sanctifying grace. 4. (n.) That quality in language, address, or the like, which excites emotion; especially, strong devotion; religious fervor and tenderness; sometimes, a simulated, factitious, or unnatural fervor. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia UNCTIONunk'-shun: The the King James Version translation of chrisma (1 John 2:20), which the Revised Version (British and American) renders "anointing," as the King James Version renders the same word in 1 John 2:27. Greek 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 Strong's Hebrew 4888. mishchah -- consecrated portion... to be anointed, ointment Or moshchah {mosh-khaw'}; from mashach; unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift -- (to be) anointed(-ing), ointment. ... /hebrew/4888.htm - 5k Library On the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. Of the Unction. Whether Extreme Unction is a Sacrament? Order of Holy Unction Order of Holy Unction Whether Extreme Unction is one Sacrament? Whether Extreme Unction Avails for the Remission of Sins? Extreme Unction (Qq -33) On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One. Thesaurus Unction (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The act of anointing, especially for medical purposes, or as a symbol of consecration; as, mercurial unction. ...UNCTION. ... /u/unction.htm - 8k Abides (37 Occurrences) Uncropt (1 Occurrence) Uncultured (1 Occurrence) Sacraments Separate (115 Occurrences) Apocryphal Acts (271 Occurrences) Resources What is extreme unction / last rites? | GotQuestions.orgAre the seven Catholic sacraments biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that Jesus was crucified above the tomb of Adam? | GotQuestions.org Unction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Unction (2 Occurrences)1 John 2:20 1 John 2:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |