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 worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is at the point of death: but come, I pray Thee, and put thy hand upon her, and she shall live:
Then were brought to Him little children, that He might put his hands upon them, and bless them: and the disciples rebuked them;
Then were brought to Him little children, that He might put his hands upon them, and bless them: and the disciples rebuked them;
Then were brought to Him little children, that He might put his hands upon them, and bless them: and the disciples rebuked them;
And when He had laid his hands on them, he departed thence.
and Jesus, being moved with compassion, stretched out his hand and touched him, and saith unto Him, I will;
And He could do no miracle there, only laying his hands on a few sick people He healed them;
And they brought to Him a deaf man, who had likewise an impediment in his speech, and pray Him to put his hand upon him.
And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and having spit on his eyes, He laid his hands upon him, and asked him, If he saw any thing.
And at sun-set all that had any persons sick of any diseases, brought them to Him: and He laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.
And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, I will; be thou cleansed: and immediately the leprosy departed from him.
And He laid his hands upon her; and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
These they set before the apostles; who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.
These they set before the apostles; who, when they had prayed, laid their hands upon them.
who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the holy Spirit: (for He was not yet fallen upon any of them,
and they received the holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that the holy Spirit was given by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, read more. saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the holy Spirit.
for behold he is praying, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias, coming in and putting his hand upon him, that he might recover his sight.
And Ananias went away and came into the house; and putting his hands on him, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared to thee on the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Spirit."
And Ananias went away and came into the house; and putting his hands on him, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared to thee on the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Spirit."
And Ananias went away and came into the house; and putting his hands on him, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared to thee on the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Spirit."
And Ananias went away and came into the house; and putting his hands on him, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared to thee on the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Spirit." And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales; and he instantly 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 appointed them elders in every church, praying and fasting, they recommended them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
and finding some disciples there, he said unto them, Have ye received the holy Spirit since ye embraced the faith? And they said unto him, Nay, we had not even heard whether the holy Spirit be yet given.
And when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And as Paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And the men were in all about twelve.
And as Paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And the men were in all about twelve.
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery: to whom Paul went in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery: to whom Paul went in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the advantage of all.
all) though sufficient to such a one is the censure passed on him by many.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault, do ye, who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, least thou also shouldst 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.
Receive not an accusation against an elder, unless from two or three witnesses. Those that offend reprove before all, that others also may fear. read more. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou keep to these things without preference of persons, doing nothing with partiality. Lay hands on no man precipitately, and be not hereby a partaker in the sins of others. Keep thyself pure.
Lay hands on no man precipitately, and be not hereby a partaker in the sins of others. Keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water only, but use a little wine with it, for the sake of thy stomach and thy frequent infirmities. read more. The sins of some men are notorious, leading as it were to their condemnation; and some more artful they follow after. So also the good works of some are manifest; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
for which cause I remind thee to stir up the gift of God which is in thee through the imposition of my hands.
and of faith in God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, and of the resurrection from the dead, and of eternal judgement: (tho' we will do this also, if God permit:)
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.)