The Bible often refers to individuals as “anointed,” which signifies being chosen or set apart for a special purpose by God. This concept is rich with meaning and highlights God’s calling on someone’s life. Today, we will look at what Scripture says about being anointed and its significance for believers.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Abandoning Friends
What Does The Bible Say About Anointed
Psalms 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
This verse illustrates God’s provision and blessing upon his anointed ones. The act of anointing with oil symbolizes consecration and empowerment for a specific purpose or calling. It signifies God’s favor and an abundant outpouring of blessings in the midst of opposition.
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.”
Here, Samuel anoints David as the future king of Israel. This anointing marks the divine selection and empowerment of David for leadership. It demonstrates that being anointed by God sets someone apart and positions them for God’s unique purposes.
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.”
In this prophecy, the anointed one declares his mission to bring hope, healing, and liberation to those who are broken and oppressed. This verse foreshadows the anointed one as the Savior, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to bring salvation and deliverance to humanity.
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.”
This verse speaks of the anointed one’s holiness and righteous nature. It affirms that God exalts and distinguishes the anointed one from others by anointing them with gladness and joy. The anointed one’s consecration to God brings divine favor and sets them apart.
Acts 10:38
“How 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.”
This verse highlights the anointing of Jesus by God with the Holy Spirit and power. It emphasizes the purpose of his anointing, which was to demonstrate God’s love, to bring healing and deliverance, and to overcome the works of the devil. Jesus serves as the ultimate example of the anointed one fulfilling his divine calling.
Leviticus 8:12
“He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.”
In this passage, Aaron is anointed with oil to set him apart for the role of the high priest. This anointing signifies his consecration and authorization to carry out the priestly duties. It represents the anointed one’s special relationship with God and their role as a mediator between God and people.
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.”
This verse describes the anointing as a symbol of unity and harmony among God’s people. It depicts the anointing oil flowing from Aaron’s head to his beard and robe, illustrating the blessings and favor of God cascading upon those who dwell in unity. The anointing fosters a spirit of fellowship and cooperation.
Exodus 30:30
“Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.”
God instructs the anointing of Aaron and his sons to set them apart for the priestly service. This anointing signifies their dedication and authorization to carry out the priestly duties on behalf of the people. It highlights the anointed one’s role in ministering to God and representing the people before Him.
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.”
These verses emphasize the anointing of believers by God through the Holy Spirit. The anointing empowers and equips believers to live for Christ and fulfill their purpose. The presence of the Holy Spirit within believers serves as a guarantee of their future inheritance and the seal of God’s ownership upon their lives.
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.”
This verse refers to the anointed one’s righteousness and God’s exaltation of them above their peers. The anointing with the oil of joy signifies the anointed one’s eternal joy and happiness in God’s presence. It reveals God’s delight in those who walk in righteousness and seek to please Him.
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.”
In this passage, Jesus quotes from Isaiah 61:1, affirming his anointing to bring liberation, healing, and restoration. It emphasizes the anointed one’s mission to bring spiritual and physical freedom to those who are oppressed and burdened. Jesus fulfills this prophecy as the ultimate anointed one.
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.”
In this verse, believers are reminded of the anointing they have received from God through the Holy Spirit. This anointing guides and instructs them, enabling them to discern truth and live according to God’s principles. It emphasizes the importance of relying on the anointing within to lead a life that honors and pleases God.
2 Kings 9:6
“Jehu got up and went into the house. Then the prophet poured the oil on Jehu’s head and declared, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel.'”
In this passage, Jehu is anointed as the king of Israel by the prophet of God. This anointing signifies God’s divine appointment and authorization for Jehu to fulfill his role as a leader. It demonstrates the anointed one’s responsibility to govern and guide the people of God according to His will.
Mark 6:13
“They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”
Here, the disciples are seen anointing the sick with oil and bringing healing through the power of Jesus. This act of anointing symbolizes their authority as representatives of Christ to manifest His healing power. It represents the anointed one’s ability to bring physical and spiritual restoration to those in need.
Acts 4:27
“Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.”
In this verse, the early disciples acknowledge Jesus as the Holy Servant of God who was anointed. It highlights the opposition and persecution faced by the anointed one, emphasizing the significance of Jesus’ redemptive mission and sacrifice for humanity.
Ruth 3:3
“Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.”
Although this verse may not explicitly mention anointing, it is included because it relates to the act of anointing oneself. Ruth is instructed to prepare herself before approaching Boaz, symbolizing the importance of personal readiness and consecration in seeking favor and blessing. It reveals the willingness of the anointed one to position oneself appropriately to receive God’s provision.
Hebrews 1:8
“But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 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.'”
This verse identifies Jesus as the anointed one whom God has exalted above all others. The anointing with the oil of joy signifies the anointed one’s eternal and unshakable joy, which stems from His perfect righteousness and obedience. It emphasizes Jesus’ divine authority and reign as the King of Kings.
1 Samuel 2:10
“Those who oppose the LORD will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
Here, the anointed one is portrayed as victorious and triumphant. God strengthens His anointed and brings judgment upon those who oppose Him. It emphasizes the protection and empowerment that God grants to the anointed one, enabling them to fulfill their appointed role.
Psalm 92:10
“You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me.”
This verse speaks of God exalting the horn, symbolizing strength and power, of the anointed one. The pouring of fine oils represents the abundant blessings and favor that God bestows upon the anointed. It highlights the anointed one’s elevated status and the goodness of God towards them.
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 instructs the practice of anointing the sick with oil accompanied by prayer. It signifies the faith and expectation for God’s healing and restoration. The anointing serves as a tangible representation of God’s presence and power to bring forth healing and wholeness.
Isaiah 10:27
“In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.”
This verse metaphorically portrays the anointing as the means by which burdens and yokes are lifted. The anointed one, filled with the Lord’s anointing, experiences supernatural strength and freedom. It illustrates the anointed one’s ability to overcome challenges and live a life of victory.
Psalm 132:17
“Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.”
In this verse, God promises to establish an enduring legacy for David and His anointed one. The horn represents strength and authority, while the lamp symbolizes guidance and illumination. It underscores the anointed one’s divine appointment and God’s covenant faithfulness.
Exodus 28:41
“After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.”
God instructs the anointing and consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The anointing represents their divine commissioning and authority to serve in the sacred duties of the priesthood. It emphasizes the anointed one’s unique role in intercession and representing the people before God.