Shaun Groves
I grew up Baptist. We didn’t call things or people “anointed.” The first time I heard the word outside of the bible was likely at a charismatic church near the beginning of my music career.
“That song is anointed.” And what he or she meant was really “I like that song a lot.”
Since then I’ve been called “anointed” when I do a good job (which always makes me uncomfortable for some reason). I think what these fans mean is “I like your music a lot” or “I liked what you had to say.” I just say “thanks” and change the subject.
So in an effort to be a little less awkward and a little more informed…I spent some time today looking up every mention of the words “anoint” and “anointed.” I learned that there are thirteen Greek and Hebrew words translated as our English word “anoint” in the bible.
Sometimes “anoint” has a literal meaning – to apply oil or some other substance to a person’s face, forehead, or other body part as part of a ritual. Other times “anoint” has a figurative meaning – no oil is used at all but instead a purpose, blessing, Holy Spirit or some other intangible is “applied” to a person instead.
Regardless of whether the anointing is literal or figurative it seems to carry with it two implications again and again.
Appointment
“Anoint” means to be appointed to a role or task. David was anointed to be king of Israel. Jesus was anointed to be the Messiah. Oil was applied to David, the Holy Spirit was applied to Jesus. One literal, the other figurative. Both were appointed to a position for a purpose.
Equipment
“Anoint” means to be equipped with everything necessary to fulfill the role and accomplish the purpose God has given. David and Jesus were both equipped with power, people, skill, wisdom, etc to be king and Messiah.
So am I anointed? In a sense, I think so. And aren’t you?
Appointed to be father, mother, friend, coworker, neighbor, son, daughter. Appointed to be singer, teacher, doctor, spokesperson, philanthropist, bake sale coordinator, foster parent, Sunday school teacher, encourager, writer, student…
Equipped with a big mouth, a knack for organizing, problem solving, wealth, a heaping measure of discernment, a sense of humor, muscles, carpentry skills, superior work ethic, love of middle schoolers…
Am I missing something? Like I said I didn’t grow up with this word. If you did, I’d love to learn a bit more about it from you.
Holly Barrett says:
I didn’t grow up with this word in my religious tribe either, but it is a word I like. I’ve always thought of anointed as something hard to describe but you know it when you see it! Your two definitions really resonated with me because I think you are right, we are all anointed for something.
Kimberly says:
I did grow up around the word, so maybe I’ve taken it for granted. But your definitions are spot-on.
I don’t use it lightly, though. Yes, your music is anointed. By that, I mean that God through His Holy Spirit has spoken some sort of truth through you, translated through your lyrics, to your listeners. When I can close my eyes and feel God Himself speaking to me through your songs, I would say that they are anointed.
“Welcome Home” gives me chills every time I hear it. I consider it a musical prayer that allows me to pour out my very soul to Him in words that are so articulately crafted and genius but that I’d never have been able to think of myself.
Just my two cents.
Kathy Schwanke says:
I’ve always looked at it as the Spirit of God upon what we do that is beyond our natural ability to accomplish. So…really, it’s grace. 🙂
God’s enabling us to do what we are called to do. “…Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord.
Carly says:
In addition to your definitions above, in my Catholic faith, it’s used primarily in it’s literal sense, as in “to anoint with oil”. But beyond appointing or equipping, it’s purpose was to make sacred the object anointed.
A different use of the word in reference to the sacrament of the sick (aleipho) in James 5:14 is unique and so has a different meaning. This reference for us is used in relation to baptism, confirmation, ordination or the anointing of the sick, to impart a permanent character.
As Catholics we also use blessed or holy oil and water to anoint objects, making them blessed – but not for their worship. No false idols here. 😉
Christine says:
I grew up in the Lutheran tribe and while I didn’t necessarily hear it a lot growing up in the 70s and 80s in some pretty traditional and conservative congregations, I’m hearing it more now in our community. I attribute it to the fact that there a lot of people in our congregation these days who did not grow up Lutheran and are bringing their own Christian cultural touchstones to our community, one of them being the ever-increasing use of the word anointed. In our little corner of the Christian world I’ve heard preaching, teaching, prayer, a particular act of service or prophesy, even the sharing of a song in worship referred to as anointed. I can’t say I’ve ever heard as articulate a definition of it in its different contexts as you give above, but when I hear it my immediate impression is that whatever is being referred to has been infused by the Holy Spirit in such a way as to be particularly remarkable and unmistakable and therefore very compelling or convicting. It goes beyond that which we are capable of producing out of our own human capability and was very evidently assisted by the power of the Holy Spirit for a specific Kingdom purpose. I think it can be used in both a specific situational context as well as a general non-specific one. A pastor could be said to be particularly anointed as a preacher or, a pastor not necessarily known for a particular preaching gift could give a sermon one week that was thought to be particularly compelling due to its timing or circumstance and therefore be referred to as anointed. Just my two cents…hope it was helpful!
Brad says:
I liked what you said when we spoke last night about how, when people say that, they mean God is doing more through you than what would be reasonably expected by your skills or abilities (I’m mangling it, but, something like that). That result we get when it is God doing the appointing and equipping, maybe.
krisyoursis says:
I was looking for a “like” button for this comment…then I remembered this isn’t Facebook. 🙂
RaD says:
Nope didn’t grow up with it either. But have been going to a church that likes it for over ten years now.
I have to admit I shrunk from it at first too, but then I started to see what people meant when they said it. And yes, I believe you are anointed. Your music, your life touch others in some form or another.
Alexia says:
I’ve grown up in a charismatic church and anointed has been in my dictionary since the day I was born (I don’t think I’ve ever actually used the word though). But Christine has a very good definition of what we mean when we say the word. Normally the word anointed is used when something touched our soul in a powerful way. It’s more than just “I like your song” it means “I was bawling like a baby” or “you made me think real hard on my life” or “I’ve got some things to change now”.
But I like your comments about how we all are anointed for the specific things God has purposed us to do, because I believe it’s true. Anointing doesn’t just happen to kings and prophets.
Vicki says:
Peter wrote that we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” and if that isn’t “anointed,” I don’t think I’d know “anointed” if it bit me on the nose!
But, no, I didn’t really grow up with it, either, outside of scripture quotations. Until I read your post, I would have equated it with “inspired,” which I use to describe a message in song or spoken word that touched me to my core; that comforted, challenged, or enlightened me. But “inspired,” if I remember correctly, means “in-breathed,” which we are, by the Holy Spirit. Sounds like “anointed,” to me.
Rena Gunther says:
Hi Shaun! LOVE your posts!
I, too, grew up Baptist. However, after the birth of my firstborn when I was 21, my mother set out on a journey to find a new church. It wasn’t about denomination altogether, but about where God would place her and ultimately us as a family.
Our next church home was a particular Church of God {I am now in a different church that is full gospel. And more than twice that age. But that’s neither here nor there. 😉 } I can relate to you having not heard this particular word for some time and then suddenly it pops up.
The reference I’ve understood it to mean does include what you’ve said here, but it goes a little further. The anointing refers to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit—the power—to perform such a task as one is appointed to from God. Can it come and go? Sure. I believe that’s why some people in the full gospel circles tend to use it {in my opinion} sometimes maybe too loosely.
Understand that I don’t mean to imply that this “anointing” is zapped from any of us readily. Not at all. Rather that it is given, poured out if you will, as needed. When the elders are called according to scripture to anoint the sick with oil and pray for the sick {in James, I believe} the oil in itself has no power to heal. It is a representation of the Holy Spirit. I believe that faith in the Word through our act of obedience here is what brings about the healing that Christ purchased for us over 2000 years ago at Calvary.
My little sister sums it up this way: the area in which you are anointed is areas that come easily for you. In other words, I do believe that my writing “can” be anointed. I love to write. Our gifts come from the Lord as do our talents and callings. So yes, appointed, equipped, but also empowered by His Spirit.
I love that you wrote this. Thank you for your willingness to approach topics that are often untouchable to others.
Vicki says:
However the word “anointed” is used among believers, I am less inclined, after reading your post and various comments, to agree (for what that’s worth!) that songs are anointed; inspired, yes, through the anointing of the writer by Holy Spirit. I am more convinced, at this point, to believe that the contexts of various scriptures indicates that persons are anointed to carry out the callings put on them by the Holy Spirit–the word carrying the application of both “appointing” and “equipping.”
Through our obedience to God, we may be both anointed and inspired; when our lead pastor preaches the truth of whatever section of scripture we’re on, applies it to our lives, exhorting us to confession where sin is revealed in our hearts, and assuring us of forgiveness through the grace of Christ; and when he delivers the message with the passion of its truth and meaning to us; I believe he is both anointed to preach the gospel and inspired in doing so.
I hope I’ve said all that coherently!
Kathy says:
From what I understand of its biblical context, as has been previously said, oil is associated with the empowering of the Holy Spirit for effective ministry. The term “annointed” seems to be used properly when some action or person associated with serving other people is exeptionally effective, to the point that the results obviously point back to God and not to the person as their origin.
I’ve really enjoyed reading through the various insights in this discussion! Thanks to all concerned for helping to add to my understanding. 🙂