Anointing in the Bible often symbolizes God’s blessing, purpose, or calling. From kings and prophets to Jesus Himself, anointing is a powerful theme in Scripture. But what does it mean to be anointed today? Let’s explore the biblical concept of anointing and its relevance for believers.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Anointed
1 Samuel 10:1
“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel?’”
This verse illustrates the act of anointing as a divine appointment by God. Being anointed signifies being chosen and set apart for a specific purpose or position of leadership.
Psalm 133:2
“It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.”
Here, anointing is depicted as a symbol of unity and blessings. It emphasizes the importance of living in harmony and unity with fellow believers, as it is pleasing to God.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This verse highlights the anointing of the Lord upon a chosen individual to fulfill a specific mission or calling. It signifies being empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring hope, healing, and liberation to those in need.
Acts 10:38
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”
Here, anointing is associated with Jesus Christ, who was anointed by God to carry out His ministry on earth. It demonstrates the authority and power that comes from being anointed by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 2:27
“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.”
This verse emphasizes that believers have received an anointing from God, which enables them to have a direct connection with the Holy Spirit. It highlights the importance of relying on the anointing to understand and navigate through life according to God’s guidance.
Psalm 89:20
“I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.”
Here, anointing is attributed to David, who was anointed by God to become king. It reveals the divine endorsement and empowerment that comes with being anointed by God for a specific purpose.
Hebrews 1:9
“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
In this verse, anointing is associated with joy and exaltation. It signifies the favor of God and the blessings that come to those who live in righteousness and walk in obedience to His commands.
Exodus 30:25
“You shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.”
This verse speaks of the preparation of a sacred anointing oil that was used to consecrate people and objects for holy purposes. It signifies the need for purity and consecration in order to receive and carry the anointing of God.
Leviticus 8:12
“He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.”
Here, the anointing of Aaron is described as an act of consecration. It symbolizes being set apart for the service of God and signifies the impartation of authority and responsibility.
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
This verse reflects Jesus’ fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 61:1. It portrays the anointing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit to bring liberation, healing, and restoration to those who are in bondage or suffering.
Exodus 29:7
“Then you shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him.”
Here, the anointing of priests is described as an act of consecration. It represents being set apart for the service of God and signifies the believers’ responsibility to fulfill their priestly role as intermediaries between God and people.
Psalm 23:5
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
This verse portrays the anointing as a symbol of God’s abundant blessings and provision. It signifies His favor and overflowing goodness poured out upon His beloved children.
Hebrews 3:1
“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.”
This verse encourages believers to focus on Jesus, who is described as the ultimate High Priest. It implies that through our faith in Christ, we also share in His anointing as partakers of His heavenly calling.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
This passage emphasizes that believers have been anointed by God and sealed with the Holy Spirit. It signifies the security and assurance of being chosen and sealed for eternal purposes in Christ.
James 5:14
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
This verse speaks of the practice of anointing the sick with oil as a means of seeking God’s healing. It demonstrates the belief in the power of prayer and the anointing to bring physical and spiritual restoration.
Psalm 92:10
“You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me.”
Here, the anointing is depicted as a source of strength and exaltation. It showcases the blessings and favor of God that elevates and empowers His anointed ones.
1 Samuel 16:13
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
This verse describes the anointing of David with oil by Samuel. It highlights the transformative power of the anointing, as it caused the Spirit of the Lord to rest upon David and equip him for his future role as king.
Hebrews 5:4
“And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.”
This verse reiterates that the anointing is not self-appointed but received when divinely called by God. It emphasizes the significance and honor of being chosen and anointed for a specific purpose or service.
Joel 2:28
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
Here, the pouring out of the Spirit is symbolized as an anointing upon all people. It signifies the accessibility of the anointing of the Holy Spirit to both genders and all generations, empowering them for various prophetic giftings and divine encounters.
1 Chronicles 16:22
“Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
This verse serves as a warning to those who might come against or harm the anointed ones of God. It signifies the divine protection and significance of those whom God has set apart and anointed for His purposes.
Psalm 105:15
“Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
This verse reiterates the importance of not harming or speaking against God’s anointed servants, who are called to fulfill His purposes. It symbolizes the divine protection and sanctity of those whom God has chosen and anointed.
Luke 7:46
“You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.”
This verse describes a woman’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume. It symbolizes an expression of deep love, humility, and reverence towards the Messiah, recognizing His divine anointing and worthiness of worship.
Psalm 45:7
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore, God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
In this verse, the anointing is associated with joy and exaltation. It signifies the favor of God and the blessings that come to those who love righteousness and walk in obedience to Him.
Zechariah 4:14
“So he said, ‘These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.’”
This verse speaks of two anointed individuals who are set apart to serve the Lord. It signifies the importance of being consecrated and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s global purposes.
Matthew 26:7
“A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.”
This verse depicts a woman anointing Jesus’ head with costly perfume. It represents an act of extravagant worship and recognition of His divine anointing as the Messiah, displaying the value and significance of honoring Him.
Psalm 45:8
“All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.”
Here, the anointing is symbolized by the fragrance of myrrh, aloes, and cassia. It signifies the delight and gladness that comes from being anointed by God, producing a beautiful fragrance that emanates from the life of the anointed.