Anointing plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from kings being anointed to the anointing of Jesus. But what does it mean, and how does it apply to believers today? Let’s explore what the Bible says about the purpose and power of anointing in a spiritual context.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About losing your salvation
What Does The Bible Say About anointing
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 highlights the significance of the anointing that believers receive from God. The anointing is a divine enablement that empowers and guides us. It is through this anointing that we are able to discern truth and understand God’s teachings. It is a constant reminder to remain connected to God, allowing His anointing to work in our lives and lead us in the right path.
Personally, I have experienced the anointing of God in moments when I felt lost or confused. His anointing has provided clarity and wisdom, revealing His divine purpose for my life. It is a source of comfort and assurance, knowing that His anointing is always with me, guiding me in my journey of faith.
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 verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the anointing upon the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the Anointed One, came to fulfill God’s mission and bring salvation to the world. His anointing empowered Him to preach the good news, heal the brokenhearted, and set people free from bondage.
As followers of Christ, we also receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This anointing equips us to carry out God’s work in the world. It empowers us to proclaim the good news, bring comfort to those who are hurting, and shine a light in the midst of darkness. It is a reminder of the responsibility we have as ambassadors of Christ, anointed to make a difference.
Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Here, the psalmist speaks of God’s provision and protection. The anointing with oil represents a symbol of blessing and abundance. It portrays God’s favor upon our lives, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Personally, I have seen God’s anointing overflow in my life, turning what seemed like impossible situations into opportunities for growth and breakthrough. His anointing has provided me with the strength and courage to face adversity, knowing that His provision and protection are always with me.
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 addresses the practice of anointing the sick with oil for healing. It highlights the power of prayer and the faith community’s involvement in seeking God’s intervention and restoration.
I have personally witnessed the healing power of God when individuals have been anointed and prayed over. It is a testament to the faithfulness and compassion of our Heavenly Father who desires to bring healing and wholeness to His children.
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 quotes Jesus speaking, referring to the prophecy in Isaiah 61:1. It emphasizes the anointing upon Jesus and His mission to bring liberation to the oppressed and share the good news of salvation.
The anointing upon Jesus demonstrates God’s heart for justice and compassion. It motivates us as believers to follow in His footsteps, actively working towards social justice and sharing the hope of the gospel with those who are marginalized or in bondage.
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 speaks of the anointing of joy that comes as a result of a righteous and holy life. It emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God’s commands and cultivating a heart that loves righteousness.
When we walk in righteousness and pursue a relationship with God, His anointing of joy fills our lives. This joy surpasses temporary circumstances and becomes a source of strength, encouragement, and contentment. It is a witness to others of the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives.
Exodus 30:31
“And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations.’”
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to use a specific anointing oil for consecration and setting apart objects and individuals for His purposes.
The anointing oil represents a consecration and dedication to God. It signifies the presence and favor of God in a specific person, object, or place. It serves as a reminder that we are set apart as holy vessels, called to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives.
Psalm 92:10
“But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil.”
This verse speaks of God’s anointing as a source of strength and power. The imagery of pouring fresh oil over someone signifies a renewal and empowerment.
God’s anointing brings freshness and vitality to our lives. It equips us with the strength and boldness to overcome challenges and fulfill our God-given calling. It is a reminder that in our weakness, God’s power is made perfect.
Leviticus 8:12
“And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.”
This verse describes the anointing of Aaron, the high priest of Israel. The anointing oil was used to consecrate and set apart Aaron for his priestly duties.
Just as Aaron was anointed for a specific role, we too are anointed by the Holy Spirit for specific purposes and assignments in God’s kingdom. His anointing empowers us to carry out our unique callings, whether it be in leadership, ministry, or serving others. It is a reminder that we are chosen and set apart by God for His divine purposes.
Psalm 45:7
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
This verse emphasizes that God’s anointing brings joy and gladness. It is a result of a life lived in alignment with God’s righteousness.
When we seek after righteousness and pursue godliness, God’s anointing fills us with a deep sense of joy that surpasses worldly happiness. It is a gladness that comes from knowing that we are loved, accepted, and chosen by God. His anointing transforms our hearts and fills us with unshakeable joy.
Mark 6:13
“They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”
This verse speaks of the disciples’ use of anointing oil in their ministry of healing and deliverance. The anointing oil served as a symbol of God’s power and authority over sickness and spiritual oppression.
The disciples’ act of anointing with oil was a physical demonstration of their faith and trust in God’s healing power. It reminds us that God can work through ordinary means to bring about extraordinary miracles. His anointing empowers us to be vessels of His healing and deliverance to those who are in need.
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
This verse speaks of receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
When we accept Jesus as our Savior and surrender our lives to Him, we are forgiven of our sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life of righteousness and enables us to fulfill God’s purposes. It is a transformative experience that brings about inner renewal, equipping us to walk in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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.”
This verse describes the anointing of David as the future king of Israel. It signifies God’s choice and empowerment upon David’s life.
David’s anointing by Samuel marked the beginning of a new season in his life. The anointing of the Holy Spirit enabled him to fulfill his calling as a king, a warrior, and a psalmist. It is a reminder that God’s anointing brings divine enablement and equips us for the tasks that lie ahead.
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.”
This verse may not explicitly mention anointing, but it speaks of the preparation and readiness for the anointing of God to take place.
Ruth, under the guidance of Naomi, prepared herself before approaching Boaz on the threshing floor. Similarly, we need to prepare ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and mentally to receive the anointing of God. It involves surrendering our own agenda, aligning ourselves with God’s will, and positioning ourselves to receive His blessings and favor.
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 speaks of the anointing of Jesus by God with the Holy Spirit and power. It enabled Jesus to carry out His ministry of compassion, healing, and deliverance.
The anointing upon Jesus exemplifies the purpose and function of the Holy Spirit’s anointing in our lives. It empowers us to walk in obedience to God, to do good, and to bring healing and freedom to those who are oppressed. It is a reminder that we are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ and carry His anointing to a hurting world.
Exodus 40:9
“Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy.”
In this verse, God instructs Moses to anoint the tabernacle and everything within it for consecration and setting it apart as holy.
The anointing oil serves as a symbol of God’s presence and blessing. It sanctifies and consecrates a place or object, signifying its dedicated purpose for worship and service to God. It is a reminder that our lives, like the tabernacle, should be set apart and consecrated for God’s glory.
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 verse speaks of the anointing of believers by God, certifying their belonging to Him and sealing them with the Holy Spirit.
God’s anointing upon us marks us as His children and secures our position in Christ. It is a divine guarantee of our future inheritance and the fulfillment of His promises. The anointing of the Holy Spirit within us serves as a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness and His indwelling presence.
Matthew 25:4
“The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.”
This verse is part of the parable of the ten virgins, symbolizing the anticipation of Christ’s return. The wise virgins took extra oil for their lamps, representing the readiness and preparedness for the coming of the bridegroom.
As believers, we are called to be prepared and filled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, being watchful and vigilant for the return of Jesus. The oil symbolizes the spiritual vitality and readiness that should characterize our lives as we eagerly await His coming.
1 Chronicles 16:22
“Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
This verse serves as a warning to those who would harm or speak against God’s chosen and anointed servants.
God’s anointing upon His chosen ones is a mark of His favor and approval. It is a reminder to treat His anointed servants with respect and honor. It also serves as a reminder to us, as believers, to guard our tongues and refrain from speaking negatively or harming those whom God has called and anointed.
Psalm 89:20
“I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.”
In this verse, God declares His choice and anointing of David as His servant and future king of Israel.
David’s anointing is a testament to God’s sovereignty and His ability to choose and equip individuals for His purposes. It serves as a reminder that God sees and knows us intimately, and He has unique plans and anointings for each of our lives.
Revelation 3:18
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
This verse may not explicitly mention anointing, but it speaks of the spiritual resources and blessings that God offers to those who seek Him.
God’s anointing brings spiritual wealth, purity, and clarity. It enables us to see things from His perspective and equips us to navigate through the challenges and temptations of life. It is an invitation to draw near to God and receive His anointing for every area of our lives.
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 speaks of the anointing of unity and brotherly love among God’s people. The image of the oil running down Aaron’s beard signifies the overflow and abundance of God’s blessing that comes from unity.
The anointing of unity brings harmony, peace, and the manifested presence of God among believers. It is a reminder of the importance of cultivating and preserving unity in the body of Christ, as it is through unity that God’s anointing can flow freely and impact the world around us.
The anointing described in these verses is not a physical substance but a spiritual empowerment and enablement from God. It represents His presence, favor, and equipping upon a person or a situation. The anointing of God is a divine enablement that empowers believers to carry out His purposes and glorify Him in every aspect of life.
Throughout the Bible, we see the anointing manifesting in various ways. It is seen in the anointing of kings, priests, and prophets for their specific roles and responsibilities. The anointing is also associated with healing, deliverance, and the ministry of Jesus Christ. Additionally, the anointing of the Holy Spirit is available to all believers, empowering them to live a life pleasing to God and fulfill their unique calling.
The anointing is not something that can be earned or achieved through human efforts. It is a gift from God, bestowed upon His chosen ones. It is a reminder of His faithfulness, provision, and guidance in our lives. The anointing sets us apart for His purposes and enables us to bring about transformation in the world around us.
As believers, we should seek the anointing of God in our lives. This requires surrender, humility, and a deep desire to align ourselves with God’s will. We can cultivate an atmosphere for the anointing through prayer, worship, studying God’s Word, and walking in obedience to His commands.
When we walk in the anointing of God, we experience His presence, guidance, and supernatural power at work in and through us. It is a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration. The anointing enables us to overcome obstacles, bring healing and restoration, and make a positive impact on those around us.
However, it is important to note that the anointing does not exempt us from challenges or hardships. In fact, it may even attract opposition from the enemy. Just as Jesus faced trials and persecution despite His anointing, we too may encounter resistance as we walk in the anointing of God.
In those moments, we are reminded to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to stand firm and overcome. The anointing of God equips us with spiritual weapons and discernment to navigate through difficult seasons and emerge victorious.
The anointing of God is not limited to a specific moment or occasion. It is a continuous flow of His presence and power in our lives. It is available to us every day, in every circumstance. It is our responsibility to cultivate a personal relationship with God, seeking His anointing and relying on His guidance and empowerment.
Let us, as believers, embrace the anointing of God and allow it to shape our lives. May we walk in humility, surrender, and obedience, knowing that it is through His anointing that we are able to fulfill His purposes and bring glory to His name.