What is the biblical meaning of anointed?

The term "anointed" holds significant spiritual and symbolic meaning in the Bible, representing a special and set-apart position or calling under the divine authority of God.

In the scriptures, the act of anointing was often used to consecrate individuals for a specific purpose, such as kings, priests, prophets, and even objects dedicated for sacred use. To be anointed in the biblical sense was to be chosen, empowered, and equipped by God for a specific role or task.

In this blog post, we will delve into the biblical meaning of "anointed" and its implications for believers today.

The practice of anointing in the Bible typically involved the pouring or smearing of oil on a person's head as a symbol of God's chosen and set-apart status. The act of anointing signified the person's consecration, empowerment, and appointment by God to fulfill a particular role or mission. For example, in the Old Testament, we see how kings like David were anointed by prophets such as Samuel as a sign of God's endorsement and blessing upon their reign.

The concept of anointing also carries a spiritual connotation, signifying the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in an individual's life. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1-2, saying, "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, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Here, Jesus reveals that He has been anointed by God to fulfill His Messianic mission on earth.

In a broader sense, the biblical meaning of "anointed" extends beyond specific individuals to encompass all believers who have been set apart and empowered by the Holy Spirit for God's purposes. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, it says, "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 verse emphasizes that believers are anointed by God and sealed with the Holy Spirit as a sign of their salvation and inheritance in Christ.

The anointing of believers is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process through which God equips and empowers them for service and ministry. The anointing of the Holy Spirit enables believers to walk in spiritual gifts, proclaim the gospel, and fulfill God's will in their lives.

As 1 John 2:20,27 states, "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth... the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you." This passage highlights the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in believers, guiding them into all truth and empowering them for righteous living.