What is anointing? What does it mean to be anointed? Anointing originated as a shepherd's practice: lice and other insects often settled in the sheep's wool, and when they reached the head, they could enter through the ears and kill the animals. Ancient shepherds poured oil on their sheep's heads, which made the wool slippery and prevented insects from reaching the ears. From then on, anointing became a symbol of blessing, protection, and empowerment. The two Greek words translated as "anoint" in the New Testament are chrio, which means "to coat or rub with oil" and, by implication, "to consecrate for public or religious office," and aleipho, which means "to anoint." In biblical times, anointing someone with oil was a way of expressing that they were blessed or called by God (Exodus 29:7, Exodus 40:9, 2 Kings 9:6, Ecclesiastes 9:8, James 5:14). The person was anointed for a specific mission: to be a king, prophet, builder, etc. There is nothing wrong with anointing someone with oil today, as long as the purpose is consistent with Scripture. Anointing should not be considered a "magic potion." The oil itself has no intrinsic power: only God can anoint a person for a particular purpose. The oil is simply a symbol of God's work. Another meaning of "anointed" is "chosen." The Bible says that God anointed Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit to preach the Good News and set those captive to sin free (Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38). After Christ left, He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). Now all Christians are anointed, chosen for a special purpose in advancing the Kingdom of God (1 John 2:20). “Now he who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, and he has also sealed us and given the Spirit as a pledge in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).