Anointing in the Bible is a significant act that symbolizes God’s blessing, empowerment, and setting apart for a special purpose. Throughout Scripture, anointing is used in various contexts, from consecrating kings and priests to symbolizing the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. It represents God’s favor and His divine enabling for those who are called to serve Him. These verses highlight the importance of anointing in the biblical narrative, illustrating how God’s anointing equips and sanctifies His people for their divine calling. Here are 30 Bible verses about anointing, each with a brief commentary.
1. 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.”
Samuel anoints David as king. It teaches that anointing signifies God’s choice and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to fulfill a divine calling, as seen in David’s anointing, which marked the beginning of his journey as Israel’s future king.
2. 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.”
James instructs the church to anoint the sick. It teaches that anointing with oil is a practice of faith and prayer for healing, symbolizing the presence of God and His power to restore health through the prayers of the faithful.
3. Exodus 30:25
“Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.”
God instructs Moses on making anointing oil. It teaches that anointing oil is considered sacred and set apart for holy purposes, symbolizing the sanctity and divine purpose for those or things that are anointed.
4. Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
David speaks of God’s anointing in his life. It teaches that God’s anointing brings blessing, protection, and abundance, even in the face of adversity, signifying His favor and care for His people.
5. 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.”
Isaiah speaks of the Messiah’s anointing. It teaches that anointing empowers one to fulfill God’s mission, as seen in the prophetic declaration of the Messiah, who is anointed to bring healing, freedom, and the message of salvation.
6. 1 John 2:20
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”
John speaks of the believer’s anointing. It teaches that believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit, giving them the ability to understand and live in the truth of God’s Word, reflecting their identity in Christ.
7. 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.”
Paul speaks of the believer’s anointing in Christ. It teaches that God’s anointing establishes believers in their faith, marks them as His own, and guarantees the inheritance of eternal life through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
8. 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.”
God commands Moses to anoint the tabernacle. It teaches that anointing is used to consecrate objects and spaces for God’s service, setting them apart as holy and dedicated to His worship.
9. Mark 6:13
“They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”
The disciples anoint the sick during their ministry. It teaches that anointing with oil, combined with faith and prayer, is a powerful act that brings healing and deliverance, demonstrating the authority given to believers.
10. 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.”
The psalmist speaks of God’s anointing with joy. It teaches that God’s anointing brings not only spiritual empowerment but also the joy of His presence, setting the anointed apart with a unique blessing of righteousness and gladness.
11. Leviticus 8:12
“He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.”
Moses anoints Aaron as high priest. It teaches that anointing is an essential act in consecrating individuals for spiritual leadership and service, marking them as holy and set apart for God’s work.
12. 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.”
Jesus speaks of His anointing for ministry. It teaches that anointing by the Holy Spirit empowers individuals to carry out God’s mission, particularly in bringing hope, healing, and deliverance to those in need.
13. 1 Kings 19:16
“Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.”
God commands Elijah to anoint future leaders. It teaches that anointing is a divine act of appointing and empowering leaders for their God-given roles, ensuring the continuity of His work and purpose.
14. 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.”
The psalmist compares unity to anointing oil. It teaches that just as anointing oil flows and spreads, bringing consecration, unity among believers is precious and brings God’s blessing, symbolizing the harmony of His people.
15. 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.”
Peter speaks of Jesus’ anointing. It teaches that Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to carry out His earthly ministry, showing that true anointing is accompanied by divine power and purpose to do good and bring healing.
16. 1 Samuel 10:1
“Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?'”
Samuel anoints Saul as king. It teaches that anointing signifies God’s selection and empowerment of individuals for leadership, marking the beginning of their divine assignment and authority.
17. Exodus 29:7
“Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.”
God instructs the anointing of priests. It teaches that anointing is a significant ritual in dedicating individuals to God’s service, symbolizing their purification, empowerment, and readiness to fulfill their priestly duties.
18. 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.”
The writer of Hebrews speaks of Jesus’ anointing. It teaches that Jesus, who embodies righteousness, is uniquely anointed by God with joy, signifying His exalted position and the pleasure of the Father in His Son.
19. Zechariah 4:14
“So he said, ‘These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.'”
Zechariah refers to the anointed ones. It teaches that God appoints and anoints certain individuals for specific roles in His divine plan, empowering them to serve Him and carry out His will on earth.
20. 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.'”
Jehu is anointed as king of Israel. It teaches that anointing is an act of divine appointment, designating someone to a position of authority and responsibility in alignment with God’s purposes.
21. 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 commands the consecration of priests. It teaches that anointing is part of the ordination process, setting apart individuals for sacred service and ensuring that they are recognized as holy ministers before God.
22. 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.”
Isaiah speaks of the power of anointing. It teaches that God’s anointing breaks yokes of oppression and brings deliverance, symbolizing the power of His presence to bring freedom and release from bondage.
23. 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.”
Hannah speaks of God’s judgment and anointing. It teaches that God’s anointing brings strength and exaltation to His chosen ones, assuring them of His support and victory over opposition.
24. Leviticus 21:12
“Nor should he leave the sanctuary of his God or desecrate it, because he has been dedicated by the anointing oil of his God. I am the Lord.”
The priest’s dedication through anointing. It teaches that those who are anointed are to maintain a special holiness and dedication to God, as their anointing signifies a sacred commitment to His service.
25. Numbers 18:8
“Then the Lord said to Aaron, ‘I myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your sons as your portion, your perpetual share.'”
God gives Aaron the priestly anointing. It teaches that anointing carries with it specific responsibilities and blessings, providing for those who serve God faithfully in their anointed roles.
26. Psalm 89:20
“I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.”
God speaks of David’s anointing. It teaches that God’s anointing is a mark of His favor and choice, designating someone for a special purpose, as seen in David’s selection as king of Israel.
27. Luke 7:46
“You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.”
Jesus speaks of anointing during a dinner. It teaches that anointing can also be an act of love and devotion, symbolizing honor and reverence, as demonstrated by the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume.
28. Isaiah 61:3
“And provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Isaiah speaks of the oil of joy. It teaches that God’s anointing brings transformation, turning mourning into joy and despair into praise, symbolizing the restorative power of His presence in our lives.
29. 1 Samuel 9:16
“About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.”
God instructs Samuel to anoint Saul. It teaches that anointing is God’s response to the needs of His people, appointing leaders who will deliver and protect them according to His will.
30. John 12:3
“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
Mary anoints Jesus’ feet. It teaches that anointing can be an expression of deep worship and love, symbolizing the honor given to Jesus, who is worthy of the most precious and heartfelt offerings.
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