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
While he was thus speaking to them, lo! a certain ruler came in and bowed down before him, saying, My daughter just now died; but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she will live.
Then there were brought to him children, that be might lay his hands on them, and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Then there were brought to him children, that be might lay his hands on them, and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Then there were brought to him children, that be might lay his hands on them, and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith, I will; be thou cleansed.
And he could not do any miracle there, except that he laid his hand upon a few sick persons, and cured them.
And they bring to him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech, and beseech him to lay his hand upon him.
And taking the blind man by the hand, he led him out of the village; and spitting on his eyes, and putting his hands on him, he asked him if he saw anything.
And when the sun was setting, all who had any sick with divers diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
And he put forth his hand and touched him, saying, I will; be thou cleansed. And immediately the leprosy left him.
And he laid his hands on her; and immediately she stood upright, and gave glory to God.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, even as the Spirit gave them utterance.
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
who, having come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. But Simon, seeing that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles hands, offered them money, read more. saying, Give me also this power, that on whomever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.
and hath seen a man, named Ananias, coming in and putting his hand on him, that he might receive sight.
And Ananias went away, and entered the house; and putting his hands on him, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayst receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
And Ananias went away, and entered the house; and putting his hands on him, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayst receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
And Ananias went away, and entered the house; and putting his hands on him, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayst receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
And Ananias went away, and entered the house; and putting his hands on him, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayst receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And immediately there fell off from his eyes as it were scales; and he received sight, and arose, and was baptized.
Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Then, after they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
And having appointed for them elders in every church, they prayed with fasting, and commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.
he said to them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they said to him, No, we did not even hear whether there is a Holy Spirit.
And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul bad laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
And when Paul bad laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with a fever and dysentery; to whom Paul went in, and, when he had prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him.
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with a fever and dysentery; to whom Paul went in, and, when he had prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the good of others.
Sufficient for such a one is this punishment, which was inflicted by the many;
Brethren, even if a man be detected in a fault, do ye who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Against an elder receive not an accusation without two or three witnesses. Those that sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may fear. read more. I charge thee before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing with partiality. Lay hands hastily on no one, neither share in other mens sins. Keep thyself pure.
Lay hands hastily on no one, neither share in other mens sins. Keep thyself pure. No longer drink water only, but use a little wine for thy stomachs sake, and thy frequent infirmities. read more. Some mens sins are openly manifest, going before them to judgment; and some men they follow after. In like manner also the good works of some are openly manifest; and those that are otherwise cannot be hid.
For which cause I remind thee to stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the laying on of my hands;
of the doctrine of baptisms, and of the laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of everlasting 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.)