The Concept Of Laying On Of Hands

 1. INTRODUCTION

The laying on of hands is one of the foundational doctrines of Christ (Hebrews 6:1–2). It appears throughout the Old and New Testaments as a divine method for impartation, blessing, healing, commissioning, and transferring authority. Although the action is simple, its spiritual significance is profound. Understanding this concept helps believers walk in biblical order, spiritual authority, and proper ministry practice.

2. WHAT IS “LAYING ON OF HANDS”?

Laying on of hands is the act of a spiritually-authorized person placing hands on another person for a specific spiritual purpose—such as blessing, healing, impartation, or consecration.

It signifies:

Identification

Transfer

Impartation

Blessing

Authorization

Scripture reference:

 “Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” — Acts 8:17

3. BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

A. Old Testament Examples

1. Transferring Blessings

Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh

Genesis 48:14–20 — Jacob laid hands on Joseph’s sons to pronounce prophetic blessings.

2. Consecration and Dedication

Priests consecrated for service

Numbers 8:10 — The children of Israel laid hands on the Levites to set them apart.

3. Transfer of Leadership and Authority

Moses commissioning Joshua

Numbers 27:18–23 — Moses laid hands on Joshua, imparting wisdom and leadership.

4. Transfer of Sin (Symbolic)

Sacrificial rituals

Leviticus 16:21 — The priest laid hands on the scapegoat to symbolically transfer the people’s sins.

These examples show that the practice was symbolic, prophetic, and powerful.

B. New Testament Examples

1. Impartation of the Holy Spirit

Peter and John in Samaria

Acts 8:17

Paul in Ephesus

Acts 19:6

2. Healing the Sick

Jesus laid hands on the sick

Mark 6:5

Believers are commissioned to do the same

Mark 16:17–18

3. Impartation of Gifts

Paul imparting spiritual gifts

2 Timothy 1:6 — “Stir up the gift… which is in thee by the laying on of my hands.”

Elders laying hands during ordination

1 Timothy 4:14

4. Ordination / Commissioning for Ministry

Choosing deacons

Acts 6:6

Sending Paul and Barnabas

Acts 13:2–3

5. Blessing Children

Jesus blessing little children

Mark 10:13–16

4. PURPOSES OF LAYING ON OF HANDS

A. to Bless

Parents, ministers, and leaders bless people through touch.

Genesis 48:14–20; Mark 10:16

B. To Heal

A channel for the healing power of God.

Mark 16:18; Acts 28:8

C. To Impart the Holy Ghost

Spirit baptism often occurred through laying on of hands.

Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6

D. To Impart Spiritual Gifts

Prophetic impartation and activation.

2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 4:14

E. To Commission for Ministry

Setting people apart for service.

Acts 13:2–3; Acts 6:6

F. To Establish Authority

Transfer of leadership grace.

Numbers 27:18–23

5. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THOSE WHO LAY HANDS

The Bible warns that this is not an ordinary religious act.

A. Must Be Spiritually Mature

Only those who understand its weight should perform it.

1 Timothy 3:1–7

B. Must Live a Holy Life

Impurity can corrupt spiritual impartation.

2 Timothy 2:21

C. Must Be Doctrinally Sound

The act must align with the Word.

Titus 1:9

D. Must Not Do It Hastily

Paul warns Timothy:

 “Lay hands suddenly on no man.” — 1 Timothy 5:22

Meaning:

Do not endorse people quickly

Do not impart lightly

Avoid spiritual contamination

6. SYMBOLS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF LAYING ON OF HANDS

A. Identification

Joshua identified with Moses’ calling (Numbers 27:23).

B. Transfer or Impartation

Spiritual gifts and authority can be transferred (2 Timothy 1:6).

C. Blessing and Favor

Hands symbolize the release of divine grace.

D. Spiritual Connection or Agreement

A physical point of contact for faith.

Hebrews 6:1–2

7. MISUSES AND WARNINGS

A. Wrong People Laying Hands

False prophets or people with unclean motives can impart negative influence.

Acts 8:18–23 (Simon the sorcerer)

B. Laying Hands in Anger or Manipulation

Not for control but for spiritual purposes.

C. Performing It Without Faith

It must be done in faith and obedience.

D. Using It as a Ritual Without Understanding

It is spiritual, not superstitious.

8. PRACTICAL APPLICATION FOR TODAY’S CHURCH

(1) Ministers should teach its meaning clearly.

(2) Churches should maintain biblical order in impartation and ordination.

(3) Believers should not allow anyone to lay hands on them casually.

(4) Lay hands only when led by the Holy Spirit.

(5) Use Scripture as the foundation for every impartation.

9. CONCLUSION

The laying on of hands is a powerful and foundational doctrine meant to bless, heal, impart, and establish believers. When properly understood and practiced, it becomes a channel of God’s grace, power, and divine order in the church. As believers, we must approach this sacred act with reverence, knowledge, and spiritual sensitivity.

10. MEMORY VERSE

 Hebrews 6:2 — “Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands…”