Anoint

Anointing with oil was a widespread practice among the Hebrews, carrying both ordinary and sacred significance. In everyday life, anointing the body with olive oil was a common act of hygiene and hospitality, and its absence could signal mourning or distress (2 Sam. 12:20; Matt. 6:17). The ritual anointing of objects and persons with specially prepared sacred oil was prescribed in the Mosaic law for the consecration of the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests who served within it (Exod. 30:26–29; Lev. 8:10–12).

Kings, priests, and occasionally prophets were anointed to mark their divine appointment to office, establishing the Hebrew title mashiach (anointed one) as the designation of the divinely commissioned ruler. The Greek equivalent, christos, became the title of Jesus of Nazareth, who was understood by his followers to be the ultimate fulfillment of the anointed offices of prophet, priest, and king. The New Testament describes Jesus being anointed by the Holy Spirit at his baptism (Acts 10:38) and by a woman at Bethany in anticipation of his burial (Mark 14:3–9).