CategoryDoctrine / Holy Spirit and Anointing Term
Modern Equivalentanointing; spiritual consecration.
KJV Word TypeTheological noun / anointing term
DefinitionAn anointing, especially the spiritual anointing associated with the Holy One in 1 John. It can also refer more broadly to anointing with oil as a sign of consecration, prayer, or healing.
Key Verses"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things." (1 John 2:20); "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:" (James 5:14)
KJV Usage NoteClosely related to anointing language; in 1 John it describes a spiritual anointing from the Holy One, while related anointing passages may involve oil, consecration, prayer, or healing.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not mean emotional intensity only, nor does it refer only to physical oil; in 1 John it refers to spiritual anointing from the Holy One.
EtymologyFrom Latin unctio, meaning anointing.