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Anointing

World Religion
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A ritual application of oil that signifies consecration, healing, blessing, or the setting apart of a person or object for sacred purpose.

Detailed Definition
Anointing appears in Jewish and Christian traditions and in related ritual practices as the placing of fragrant oil upon the body, head, or sacred object. It may mark kingship, priesthood, healing, welcome, or dedication, turning touch into a visible sign of divine favor. For poets, anointing offers images of glistening skin, perfumed air, and ordinary matter made ceremonial. It can also symbolize the moment when a speaker receives a vocation, inheritance, or inward authority.
Example
Example in poetry:
A poem may use “anointing” literally for the ritual application of holy oil; In biblical imagery, anointing can symbolize a person’s consecration, healing, or appointment as a ruler; A poet might write, “Oil touched his brow, and the ordinary day became a vow”; Figuratively, “anointing” can describe rain, sunlight, or music seeming to bless a person
Additional Notes
Anointing appears in Jewish and Christian scripture and ritual, where oil can signify healing, kingship, priestly authority, or blessing. In poetry, it often suggests sacred election, tenderness, or spiritual transformation.
Other Meanings of “Anointing”
Also Known As
Unction
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