Reference: Laying On Of Hands
Fausets
(See BAPTISM.)
Hastings
This ceremony, of frequent occurrence in both OT and NT, is a piece of natural symbolism with the central idea that through physical contact the person performing it identifies himself with the other in the presence of God. In OT this is done with a view to the transference (a) of a Divine blessing (Ge 48:14 ff.; cf. Nu 27:18,23; De 34:9); (b) of a burden of guilt (Le 1:4; 4:3 f., Le 4:24; 16:21 f. etc.). In NT, while it is variously employed, the general idea is always that of blessing.
1. The simplest case is when Jesus lays hands of blessing on the little children (Mt 19:13,15 ||). The fact that the mothers desired Him to do so shows that this was a custom of the time and people. The narrative in Mt. shows further that, as used by Jesus, it was no magical form, but the symbolic expression of what was essentially an act of prayer (Mt 19:13).
2. In His deeds of healing Jesus constantly made use of this symbol (Mr 6:5; 8:23; Lu 4:40; 13:13; cf. Mt 9:18; Mr 7:32)
See Verses Found in Dictionary
As he was speaking these things to them, behold, there came a ruler, and prostrated himself before him, saying, My daughter hath just now died: but come and lay thine hand upon her, and she shall live.
Then were brought to him little children, that he should lay his hands upon them, and pray [for them]: but the disciples rebuked them.
Then were brought to him little children, that he should lay his hands upon them, and pray [for them]: but the disciples rebuked them.
Then were brought to him little children, that he should lay his hands upon them, and pray [for them]: but the disciples rebuked them.
Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretching out his hand, touched him, and said to him, I will; be thou cleansed.
And he could not do there any miracle, except that laying his hands on a few sick persons he cured them.
And they bring him a deaf man, who could scarcely articulate; and they entreat him to put his hand upon him.
And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him without the city; and spitting on his eyes, he laid his hands upon him, and asked him if he saw aught.
So when the sun was set, all who had any indisposed with various diseases, brought them to him; and laying his hands severally on each of them, he cured them.
And he stretching out his hand touched him, saying, I will: be thou cleansed. And instantly the leprosy departed from him.
And he laid his hands upon her: and instantly she became erect, and glorified God.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves.
whom they presented before the apostles: and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
whom they presented before the apostles: and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Now when Simon saw, that by the imposition of the apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, read more. saying, Confer on me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, they may receive the Holy Ghost.
and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming to him, and laying his hand upon him, that he may recover his sight.
Then went Ananias, and entered into the house; and laying his hands upon him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who was seen by thee in the way that thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Then went Ananias, and entered into the house; and laying his hands upon him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who was seen by thee in the way that thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Then went Ananias, and entered into the house; and laying his hands upon him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who was seen by thee in the way that thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Then went Ananias, and entered into the house; and laying his hands upon him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who was seen by thee in the way that thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And directly there fell from his eyes as it were scales: and he recovered sight instantly, and arose, and was baptised.
Then having kept a fast and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them out.
Then having kept a fast and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them out.
Then appointing them presbyters in every city, by prayer with fastings they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not even heard if the Holy Ghost is [given].
Now when they heard it, they were baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. And Paul laying on them his hands, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And Paul laying on them his hands, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And it so happened that the father of Publius was then confined to his bed with an attack of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul went in, and after praying, laid his hands upon him, and healed him.
And it so happened that the father of Publius was then confined to his bed with an attack of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul went in, and after praying, laid his hands upon him, and healed him.
Now to every one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for usefulness.
Sufficient for such person is that chastisement which hath been inflicted by the majority of you.
BRETHREN, if a man also be surprised into any act of offence, ye that are spiritual, replace such a one in the spirit of meekness; keeping an attentive eye on thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Neglect not the gift which is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the presbytery.
Against a presbyter receive not an accusation, except it be from two or three witnesses. Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may tremble. read more. I adjure thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands hastily on no man, nor share another's sins: keep thyself pure;
Lay hands hastily on no man, nor share another's sins: keep thyself pure; confine thyself no longer to water-drinking; but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent indispositions. read more. Some men's sins are glaringly manifest, going before to judgment; and after others also they follow [to detection]. In like manner also the good works [of some] are previously manifest; and it is not possible that what they have besides should be concealed.
For which cause I remind thee that thou fan into a flame the divine gift, which is in thee by the imposition of my hands.
of the doctrine of ablutions, and of imposition of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Morish
See HANDS.
Smith
Laying on of hands.
This "formed at an early period a part of the ceremony observed on the appointment and consecration of persons to high and holy undertakings;" (and in the Christian Church was especially used in setting apart men to the ministry and to other holy offices. It is a symbolical act expressing the imparting of spiritual authority and power. --ED.)