What Does “Anoint” Mean in the Bible?
To pour oil or perfume on someone, as a sign of honor or to consecrate him to God.
It can mean
- That is why: “Messiah” (in Hebrew) and “Christ” (in Greek) mean “anointed.”
- In the Church: people are anointed with holy oil in Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick.
Where it appears in the Bible
John 12:3
What the Bible says
John 12:3
Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of right spikenard, of great price, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
Source: Catechism 436 and 1294