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 spake these things to them, behold a certain ruler coming worshiped him, saying, My daughter is even now dying: but come and lay thine hand on her, and she shall live.
Then were brought to him little children, that he should lay his hands on them and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
Then were brought to him little children, that he should lay his hands on them and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
Then were brought to him little children, that he should 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 tender compassion, putting forth his hand, touched him, and saith to him, I will; be thou clean.
And he could do no miracle there, save that he laid his hands on a few sick and healed them.
And they bring to him one that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and beseech him to put his hand upon him.
And taking the blind man by the hand, he led him out of the town, and having spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him, If he saw ought?
Now when the sun was set, all that had any sick of divers diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
And putting forth his hand he touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Whom they set before the apostles, and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
Whom they set before the apostles, and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
Who being come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And Simon seeing that thro' laying on of the hands of the apostles the Holy Ghost was given, read more. offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
And he hath seen in a vision a man, named Ananias, coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he may recover his sight.
And Ananias went and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me, Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, that thou mayst recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And Ananias went and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me, Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, that thou mayst recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And Ananias went and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me, Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, that thou mayst recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And Ananias went and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me, Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, that thou mayst recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately as it were scales fell from his eyes, and he recovered his sight, and arose and was baptized.
Then having fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Then having fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
And when they had ordained them presbyters in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
and finding certain disciples, He said to them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost, since ye believed? And they said to him, Nay, we have not so much as heard, Whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And Paul laying his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
And Paul laying his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
Now the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and bloody flux; to whom Paul went in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.
Now the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and bloody flux; to whom Paul went in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each, to profit withal.
Sufficient for such an one is this punishment inflicted by many.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault, ye who are spiritual restore such an 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, unless by two or three witnesses. Those that sin, rebuke before all, that the rest may fear. read more. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither partake of other mens sins; keep thyself pure.
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither partake of other mens sins; keep thyself pure. Drink water no longer, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thy frequent infirmities. read more. Some mens sins are manifest before-hand, going before to judgment: and some they follow after. In like manner the good works also of some are manifest; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance, to stir up the gift of God which is in thee, by the laying on of my hands.
and of faith in God, Of the doctrine of baptisms and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and 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.)