Divine Anointing: χρίω (Strong’s G5548: chrio) Reveals Messianic Authority

Strong’s G5548: A primary verb meaning “to anoint,” derived from ancient practices of consecrating with oil. Used specifically for divine appointment and consecration, particularly in reference to the Messiah’s anointing by God, symbolizing authority and spiritual empowerment.

U – Unveiling the Word

χρίω carries profound theological significance as the verb that defines the very concept of messianic anointing. In ancient times, anointing with oil marked someone for divine service, whether as prophet, priest, or king. This sacred act symbolized God’s choosing and empowering of an individual for His purposes. The theological weight of χρίω reaches its pinnacle in its application to Jesus, whose very title “the Messiah” (Hebrew: משיח) means “the Anointed One.” This anointing wasn’t merely symbolic but represented the Father’s divine appointment and the Spirit’s empowerment of Jesus for His redemptive mission. The early church recognized this term’s significance, understanding that their own anointing (χρίσμα) flowed from their union with the Anointed One.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρίω, chrio, /khree’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: kh (as in Scottish ‘loch’) + REE + o (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: χρι- (chri-) – primary verb stem meaning “to rub, smear”
• -ω (-ō) – Primary verb ending indicating present active indicative first person singular

D – Defining Meanings

• To anoint, consecrate by anointing
• To appoint to a special task or purpose
• To endow with divine authority

For compound words: Not applicable as χρίω is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “to anoint” – Best captures both physical and spiritual aspects
• “to consecrate” – Emphasizes the sacred purpose
• “to commission” – Highlights the authority aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀλείφω (aleiphō) /al-i’-fo/ – general anointing for daily use See G218
• μυρίζω (myrizō) /moo-rid’-zo/ – to anoint with ointment See G3462
• χρῖσμα (chrisma) /khris’-mah/ – the anointing itself See G5545

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, χρίω exhibits the following features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• χρίω – I anoint (Present Active Indicative)
• ἔχρισα – I anointed (Aorist Active Indicative)
• χρίσω – I will anoint (Future Active Indicative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χρίω stands as a theologically rich term in biblical Greek. BDAG emphasizes its sacred usage, particularly in consecrating someone for divine service. Thayer’s highlights its distinction from ἀλείφω, noting χρίω’s exclusively sacred applications in the New Testament. LSJ provides evidence of its secular use in classical Greek for rubbing on unguents or color, but notes its elevation to sacred usage. Vine’s emphasizes its connection to the Messiah’s title and mission. Strong’s connects it to the Hebrew משח (mashach). Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings show its ongoing sacred connotations in early Christian usage. This consistent sacred application underscores its significance in biblical theology.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Luke 4:18

Additional References:
Acts 4:27, Acts 10:38, 2 Corinthians 1:21, Hebrews 1:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χρίω embodies the profound concept of divine appointment and empowerment. Its usage in reference to Jesus reveals His unique role as the Father’s Chosen One, anointed with the Holy Spirit for His redemptive mission. This same verb applies to believers who receive the Spirit’s anointing through their union with the Messiah. The good news shines through this word as it reveals God’s pattern of choosing, empowering, and commissioning His people for His kingdom purposes, all flowing from and pointing to the Ultimate Anointed One, Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. χρίω is the root of the English word “Christ” and “Christian”
2. In the New Testament, χρίω is never used for ordinary, non-sacred anointing
3. The verb appears only five times in the New Testament, but each usage carries profound theological significance

Strong’s G5548: A primary verb meaning “to anoint,” derived from ancient practices of consecrating with oil. Used specifically for divine appointment and consecration, particularly in reference to the Messiah’s anointing by God, symbolizing authority and spiritual empowerment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: anointing, consecration, Messiah, divine-appointment, Holy-Spirit, empowerment, sacred-service, kingship, priesthood, prophecy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​