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Bible Dictionaries
Anoint
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology
To smear or rub with oil or perfume for either private or religious purposes. The Hebrew term for "anoint, " masah [ Isaiah 21:5 ), smearing paint on a house (Jeremiah 22:14 ), or anointing the body with oil (Amos 6:6 ). The theological meaning of masah [ 1 Chronicles 29:22 ); this anointing made him both responsible for and accountable to the people. Anointed kings sometimes failed in their tasks, and were reminded of their accountability (1 Samuel 15:17; 2 Samuel 12:7 ). Second, when people were anointed, God empowered them to accomplish his tasks (1 Samuel 10:6; 16:13 ). Third, no one was allowed to harm God's anointed (1 Samuel 24:10; 26:9 ). Finally, the term mashiyach [ Psalm 84:9; 89:38,51 ). In the New Testament, Christ is portrayed as the Messiah. Jesus is the promised deliverer (John 1:41; 4:25 ), anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power (Acts 10:38 ).
Louis Goldberg
See also Jesus Christ, Name and Titles of; Messiah
Bibliography . H. L. Ellison, The Centrality of the Messianic Idea for the Old Testament; V. P. Hamilton, TWOT, 1:1255-56; J. B. Payne, Theology of the Older Testament .
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Edited by Walter A. Elwell
Copyright © 1996 by Walter A. Elwell. Published by Baker Books, a division of Baker Book House Company, PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516-6287.
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Elwell, Walter A. Entry for 'Anoint'. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​bed/​a/anoint.html. 1996.