The phrase "Touch not my anointed" is often quoted from the Bible, but it’s also often misunderstood or misused. To understand what this verse really means, we need to look at where it comes from and how it was used in Scripture.
Where Does “Touch Not My Anointed” Come From?
The phrase is found in Psalm 105:15, which says:
“Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” – Psalm 105:15 (KJV)
It also appears in 1 Chronicles 16:22:
“Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”
In both places, God is protecting His chosen people during their journey through foreign lands.
Who Are the “Anointed” in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, the “anointed” are those set apart by God for a specific purpose.
- Kings like David were anointed with oil as a sign of being chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:13).
- Prophets were God’s messengers (1 Kings 19:16).
- Priests were consecrated through anointing (Exodus 28:41).
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.” – 1 Samuel 16:13
“Anointed” meant someone God had chosen for a divine task.
What Does “Touch” Mean in This Verse?
In Hebrew, the word for "touch" (naga) means more than just physical contact. It can mean to harm or strike with intent. So, Psalm 105:15 is not just about touching someone physically—it’s about harming those God has chosen.
Is This Verse About Pastors Today?
Many people use “touch not my anointed” to protect church leaders from criticism. But that’s not what the Bible teaches.
| Use in Scripture | Common Modern Use |
|---|---|
| God is protecting His people from harm | Used to silence the correction of pastors |
| About national protection (Israel) | Applied to individual church leaders |
| Based on God’s calling for service | Sometimes used to avoid accountability |
Even anointed people like Peter were corrected (see Galatians 2:11–14).
Can Christians Be Considered “Anointed”?
Yes. The New Testament says all believers are anointed through the Holy Spirit.
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” – 1 John 2:20 (NIV)
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us.” – 2 Corinthians 1:21
All followers of Christ are anointed and set apart to serve Him.
What Is the Right Way to Use This Verse?
This verse teaches us that:
- God protects those He chooses.
- God defends His faithful followers.
- It’s a warning not to harm God’s work.
It is not meant to silence truth or keep leaders from being held accountable. Even King David was corrected when he sinned (2 Samuel 12:7).
Bible Examples That Show This Principle
| Example | Reference | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham | Genesis 20:3–7 | God warns Abimelech not to harm Abraham |
| David and Saul | 1 Samuel 24:6 | David refuses to kill King Saul, God’s anointed |
| Nathan rebukes David | 2 Samuel 12 | David is confronted about his sin |
| Jesus | Luke 4:18 | Jesus refers to Himself as anointed to preach |
Final Thoughts
“Touch not my anointed” is a warning from God against harming His chosen ones. But it’s not a way to avoid being corrected. God's anointed must walk in humility, truth, and obedience—just like all believers.
“The Lord will protect his faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear in darkness.” – 1 Samuel 2:9 (NLT)
