The laying on of hands is a symbolic act that is described several times throughout the Bible. It was used in various contexts, including healing, blessing, ordaining, and appointing. Here is an overview of some of the key passages in Scripture that mention the laying on of hands:
Healing
One of the most common uses of laying on hands in the Bible is for healing. There are several examples of Jesus and the apostles healing the sick through the laying on of hands:
- Mark 6:5 – Jesus laid hands on the sick and healed them in Nazareth.
- Mark 8:23 – Jesus spat on a blind man’s eyes and laid hands on him to restore his sight.
- Luke 4:40 – At sunset, people brought all who were sick to Jesus and he laid hands on each one and healed them.
- Acts 9:17 – Ananias laid hands on Saul of Tarsus, and immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight.
- Acts 28:8 – Paul laid hands on Publius’ father and healed him of fever and dysentery.
These passages demonstrate how Jesus and his followers would often lay hands on the sick as they prayed for healing. The laying on of hands was a tangible expression of faith and a physical point of contact as they invoked God’s healing power.
Blessing
Another common purpose for laying on hands was to bless someone, often by imparting the Holy Spirit. Here are some examples:
- Matthew 19:13 – People brought little children to Jesus so he could lay hands on them and pray.
- Mark 10:16 – Jesus took little children in his arms, laid hands on them, and blessed them.
- Acts 8:17 – Peter and John laid hands on believers in Samaria and they received the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 19:6 – As Paul laid hands on disciples in Ephesus, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
- 1 Timothy 4:14 – Paul reminds Timothy of the gift that was imparted to him through the laying on of hands.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 – Paul encourages Timothy to stir up the gift of God that is in him through the laying on of hands.
The laying on of hands was often used as a means of imparting blessing, spiritual gifts, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Ordaining and Appointing
The laying on of hands also served as a symbolic act to ordain, appoint, or set people apart for positions of leadership and ministry:
- Numbers 27:18 – God instructed Moses to lay hands on Joshua to commission him to lead Israel.
- Deuteronomy 34:9 – Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom after Moses laid hands on him.
- Acts 6:6 – The apostles prayed and laid hands on the first seven deacons to commission them.
- Acts 13:3 – The church at Antioch laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, sending them off on their mission.
- 1 Timothy 5:22 – Paul advises Timothy not to be hasty in laying hands on people to commission them.
The physical act of laying on hands gave weight and significance to the appointment or ordination of leaders within the biblical communities.
Old Testament References
In addition to the New Testament examples, there are a few references to laying on of hands in the Old Testament:
- Leviticus 1:4 – The person bringing an offering shall lay their hand on the head of the burnt offering.
- Leviticus 3:2 – The one making a peace offering shall lay their hand on the head of their offering.
- Leviticus 16:21 – On the Day of Atonement, Aaron shall lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it the wickedness of Israel.
- Leviticus 24:14 – Those who cursed God were to lay their hands on the head of the one being stoned.
In these cases, laying on hands symbolized identification and transference – identifying with the sacrificial animal, and transferring sins or curses onto another.
Why Lay Hands?
Why was the physical act of laying on hands so significant in the Bible? Here are a few reasons it held meaning:
- Point of Contact – Provided a tangible point of contact and connection as people prayed or ministered.
- Transference – Represented the transference of power, blessing, authority, or identification from one person to another.
- Commissioning – The weight of hands showed the significance of ordaining or appointing someone to leadership or ministry.
- Ownership – Placing hands on a sacrifice showed one’s identification and ownership over the offering.
- Faith and Obedience – Demonstrated faith and obedience to God’s commands to lay hands.
Overall, the physical gesture of laying on hands carried deep symbolic meaning and spiritual significance for people in biblical times.
Controversies About Laying on of Hands
Despite biblical precedent, there are some controversies surrounding the practice of laying on of hands today. These include:
- Healing – Some believe the gift of healing no longer applies. Others say healing can still happen through laying on of hands.
- Baptism of the Spirit – Some believe baptism of the Spirit happens at conversion. Others believe a separate experience of the Spirit is needed.
- Ordination – Practices for commissioning vary. Some require physical laying on of hands, others do not.
- Style of Ministry – Some churches embrace public laying on of hands, others see it as too charismatic or flamboyant.
There is also debate over whether the person doing the laying on of hands must be in spiritual authority over the recipient. Overall, practices vary widely in how literally churches take biblical examples of laying on hands.
Laying on of Hands Today
Many churches today still practice laying on of hands, in various contexts:
- Healing – Ministry times at many charismatic or Pentecostal services involve laying on hands and praying for the sick.
- Blessing – Parents and church leaders may lay hands on children to bless them or impart the Holy Spirit.
- Ordination – Ceremonies to commission pastors and other leaders often involve laying on of hands.
- Sending Out – Churches may lay hands on missionaries as they are sent out to commission and bless them.
- Confirmation – Some church traditions lay hands on people during confirmation to signify receiving the Holy Spirit.
However, not all Christian groups practice laying on of hands. Some see it as outdated or unnecessary. Views differ on whether it must be done, and if so, what context is appropriate.
Guidelines for Laying on of Hands
For churches that do embrace laying on of hands, here are some wise guidelines to follow:
- Follow Scripture rather than tradition or novelty.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to lead the practice.
- Do it with reverence and sincerity, not superficial performance.
- Have faith, but avoid being formulaic about laying on hands.
- Focus on Jesus more than the physical act itself.
- Do it decently, orderly, and with self-control.
- Avoid public embarrassment or extremes.
- Be sensitive to people’s comfort levels about physical touch.
Laying on of hands can be meaningful when done appropriately. But it is important not to put more emphasis on the physical act than on inviting Jesus to minister in people’s lives.
Conclusion
The laying on of hands was an important practice throughout Scripture. It provided a point of contact and signified transference, appointment, blessing, and healing through God’s power. While controversies remain over how to apply it today, many Christians believe laying on hands can still be meaningful when done faithfully, reverently, and sensitively under the Holy Spirit’s guidance and for God’s glory.