Dictionaries :: Anoint

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Anoint:

The practice of anointing with perfumed oil was common among the Hebrews. (1.) The act of anointing was significant of consecration to a holy or sacred use; hence the anointing of the high priest (Exd 29:29; Lev 4:3) and of the sacred vessels (Exd 30:26). The high priest and the king are thus called "the anointed" (Lev 4:3,5,16; 6:20; Psa 132:10). Anointing a king was equivalent to crowning him (1Sa 16:13; 2Sa 2:4, etc.). Prophets were also anointed (1Ki 19:16; 1Ch 16:22; Psa 105:15). The expression, "anoint the shield" (Isa 21:5), refers to the custom of rubbing oil on the leather of the shield so as to make it supple and fit for use in war.

(2.) Anointing was also an act of hospitality (Luk 7:38,46). It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies (Deu 28:40; Rth 3:3; 2Sa 14:2; Psa 104:15, etc.). This custom is continued among the Arabians to the present day.

(3.) Oil was used also for medicinal purposes. It was applied to the sick, and also to wounds (Psa 109:18; Isa 1:6; Mar 6:13; Jam 5:14).

(4.) The bodies of the dead were sometimes anointed (Mar 14:8; Luk 23:56).

(5.) The promised Deliverer is twice called the "Anointed" or Messiah (Psa 2:2; Dan 9:25,26), because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost (Isa 61:1), figuratively styled the "oil of gladness" (Psa 45:7; Hbr 1:9). Jesus of Nazareth is this anointed One (Jhn 1:41; Act 9:22; 17:2,3; 18:5,28), the Messiah of the Old Testament.

King James Dictionary

Anoint: To Rub In; Rub On.

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and ANOINT thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Revelation 3:17-18)