χρίω

From the study of Acts 10:38

Range of meaning

To smear or rub with oil. In the Bible it is mostly the ritual act that installs someone in an office: kings (1 Sam 16:13; 2 Sam 2:4), priests (Exod 28:41), and occasionally prophets (1 Kgs 19:16). It can also be used figuratively for God commissioning and equipping someone (Isa 61:1). The verbal adjective christos means 'anointed one'. It translates Hebrew māšîaḥ, 'messiah'.

Against the English

Every major English version says 'anointed', which is accurate. The trouble is that modern church language uses 'anointed' loosely for a gifted speaker or a moving service. That loses the sense of being formally installed in a God-given office.

How it drifted

In modern popular usage, especially in charismatic and revivalist settings since the 20th century, 'anointing' has become a word for spiritual power or atmosphere that a person or event can 'carry'. The biblical stress on appointment to a role has faded.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), chriō is the regular translation of Hebrew māšaḥ. Isaiah 61:1 LXX reads 'the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me (echrisen me)'. Jesus applies that text to himself in Luke 4:18, and the believers in Acts 4:27 pray about 'your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed (echrisas)'. In the NT the verb is used only of God anointing Jesus (Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; Heb 1:9), plus once of believers (2 Cor 1:21).

From the study of Hebrews 1:9

Range of meaning

To smear or rub with oil. To anoint, for health, cosmetics, honour and festivity. Ritually, to consecrate priests, kings and objects. Figuratively, to set someone apart or empower them for a task (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38). From this root comes christos, "anointed one."

Against the English

"Anoint" is an accurate English word. In modern church speech, though, "the anointing" often means a felt spiritual power or gifting. Here the picture is concrete: oil poured on a king's head at his installation and wedding feast.

How it drifted

Charismatic and revival speech in the 20th century made "anointing" mean spiritual empowerment for ministry. That builds on real NT uses (1 John 2:20), but it is not the main image here.

Used elsewhere in the period

Royal anointing: 1 Sam 10:1; 16:13; 1 Kgs 1:39. Festive anointing: Ps 23:5; 104:15; Eccl 9:8; Amos 6:6. The phrase "oil of gladness" (shemen sason) also appears in Isa 61:3, given to mourners "instead of mourning." The Aramaic Targum of Ps 45:3 addresses the king as "King Messiah," which shows that Jews read this psalm messianically.

From the study of Luke 4:18

Range of meaning

To smear or rub with oil. In Israel's religious use, to anoint someone as a sign that God has set them apart for an office: king (1 Sam 10:1; 16:13), priest (Exod 28:41), occasionally prophet (1 Kgs 19:16). By extension, to appoint and equip for a God-given task even without oil. The adjective christos ('anointed') translates Hebrew mashiach, 'messiah'.

Against the English

'Anointed' is accurate. Modern ears, though, tend to hear either an oil ceremony or a vague spiritual 'anointing' on a gifted speaker. They rarely hear that this verb is the root of 'Christ'.

How it drifted

In English the title 'Christ' became a surname-like name, cut off from the verb 'anoint'. Later church language of 'the anointing' as a felt power on a preacher narrowed the sense further.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) it is the standard verb for mashach. 1 Sam 16:13 is the key pattern: Samuel anoints David and 'the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day.' Anointing and Spirit belong together. In the New Testament chriō appears only five times, and four of them are God anointing Jesus (Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; Heb 1:9). The other is 2 Cor 1:21, of believers. Literal oil-rubbing uses a different verb, aleiphō (Luke 7:46; Jas 5:14).