### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
G5545 (χρῖσμα, chrîsma) is derived from the verb `{{G5548}}` (χρίω, chrio), meaning "to anoint." In its literal sense, it refers to an "unguent" or "smearing," typically with oil, used for various purposes in ancient cultures, including medicinal, cosmetic, and ceremonial applications. Figuratively, and most significantly in the New Testament, G5545 denotes a "special endowment" or "anointing" of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual anointing signifies a divine consecration, enablement, and empowerment, implying an abiding spiritual presence that grants understanding and qualification for divine purposes. It moves beyond a mere physical application to represent a profound spiritual reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5545 (χρῖσμα) appears exclusively in the First Epistle of John, occurring twice.
* **[[1 John 2:20]]**: "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know." Here, the "anointing" (χρῖσμα) is presented as a possession of all believers, originating from the "Holy One" (likely referring to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One). This anointing is directly linked to knowledge or understanding, serving as an internal witness that enables believers to discern truth, especially in contrast to the false teachings and "antichrists" that the epistle addresses.
* **[[1 John 2:27]]**: "As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him." This verse expands on the nature and function of the anointing. It emphasizes its divine origin ("received from Him"), its permanence ("abides in you"), and its didactic role ("teaches you about all things"). The anointing's teaching is characterized as "true and is not a lie," assuring believers of its reliability against deceptive doctrines. This does not negate the value of human teaching but rather highlights the Spirit's foundational role in illuminating spiritual truth, particularly concerning the person of Christ, ensuring believers "abide in Him." The context is a polemic against Gnostic-like heresies that denied the true incarnation of Christ, making the Spirit's internal witness crucial for theological stability.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G5548}}` (χρίω, chrio)**: The verbal root meaning "to anoint." In the Old Testament (LXX), it is used for the anointing of kings, priests, and prophets, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment. In the New Testament, it is notably used of Jesus, who is the ultimate Anointed One.
* **`{{G5547}}` (Χριστός, Christos)**: "Christ," meaning "Anointed One." This title for Jesus directly links to the concept of anointing, signifying His unique divine appointment as the Messiah—King, Priest, and Prophet.
* **`{{G4151}}` (πνεῦμα, pneuma)**: "Spirit." The anointing is explicitly understood as the work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them.
* **Indwelling of the Spirit**: The theological concept that the Holy Spirit permanently resides within believers, providing guidance, power, and spiritual illumination.
* **Spiritual Discernment**: The ability, granted by the Holy Spirit, to distinguish between truth and error, particularly concerning theological matters and spiritual realities.
* **Truth (`{{G225}}` ἀλήθεια)**: The anointing is inherently tied to truth, providing a reliable internal witness against falsehoods.
### Theological Significance
The concept of G5545 (χρῖσμα) carries profound theological significance:
* **Universal Priesthood/Prophethood of Believers**: The anointing in 1 John indicates that all believers receive a direct, internal spiritual endowment from God. This challenges any notion that spiritual understanding or access to God is limited to an elite few, aligning with the New Testament teaching on the priesthood of all believers ([[1 Peter 2:9]]).
* **Assurance of Truth and Protection from Error**: The anointing provides an internal, divine witness that enables believers to discern true doctrine from false teachings. In a world challenged by deceptive spirits and antichrists, this divine enablement is crucial for spiritual stability and adherence to Christ. It affirms the Spirit's role as the Spirit of Truth ([[John 14:17]], [[John 15:26]], [[John 16:13]]).
* **Christocentricity**: The anointing originates "from Him" (Christ) and its purpose is to ensure believers "abide in Him" ([[1 John 2:27]]). The Spirit's work is always to glorify Christ and lead believers into a deeper, truer relationship with Him.
* **Permanence and Sufficiency**: The anointing "abides in you" ([[1 John 2:27]]), signifying a permanent indwelling. This implies that believers have a sufficient, internal resource for spiritual understanding and do not need to rely solely on external, fallible human teachers for fundamental truths about Christ. While teaching is valuable, the Spirit's foundational role in illumination is paramount.
* **Empowerment for Christian Life**: Beyond mere discernment, the anointing signifies a divine empowerment for living a life consecrated to God and for fulfilling His purposes, enabling believers to walk in truth and righteousness.
### Summary
G5545 (χρῖσμα, chrîsma) refers to a spiritual "anointing" or "endowment" by the Holy Spirit, a figurative extension of the physical act of anointing with oil. Exclusively found in 1 John, this anointing is presented as a universal possession of all believers, received directly from Christ. Its primary function is to provide internal divine illumination and discernment, enabling believers to distinguish truth from error, particularly concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. This abiding anointing ensures spiritual understanding, protects against deceptive teachings, and underscores the sufficiency of the Spirit's work within each believer. It signifies a profound and permanent spiritual enablement for living in truth and abiding steadfastly in Christ.
TRV