anoint

To cover the body or an object with oil or ointment. In the ancient Near East, it was a sign of luxury or festivity to anoint oneself with aromatic oils, usually after bathing. Anointing was also a means of investing someone with power, such as the anointment of King Solomon upon his ascent to the throne (1Kgs 1:39; 1Sam 24:6). It could also signify the consecration of someone or something for a holy purpose (Gen 28:18). The Hebrew term mashiah, “Messiah,” and the Greek term christos, “Christ,” both mean “anointed one” and were used to signify the king who would rule at the end time.