What Is the Laying On of Hands in the Bible — Meaning Explained

The laying on of hands is a significant practice throughout Scripture, carrying various meanings depending on the context. It involves physically placing hands on a person as a visible sign of spiritual action. In the Old Testament, laying on of hands was used in several ways. The patriarchs laid hands on their children to confer blessing. Jacob laid his hands on Ephraim and Manasseh to bless them, though Joseph tried to correct him. Moses laid hands on Joshua to commission him as leader: 'And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge.' In sacrifice, the offerer laid hands on the animal to identify with it, transferring sin and guilt symbolically to the victim. In the New Testament, Jesus laid hands on people to heal them. 'He laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.' He also laid hands on children to bless them, despite the disciples' objection. The apostles laid hands on believers to impart the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8, Peter and John laid hands on the Samaritans who had believed, and 'they received the Holy Ghost.' In Acts 19, Paul laid hands on the Ephesian disciples, and 'the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.' The early church used the laying on of hands for commissioning ministers. The church at Antioch laid hands on Barnabas and Saul before sending them on their missionary journey. Timothy received a gift 'by the putting on of my hands' — Paul's hands, and perhaps the elders' as well. Hebrews 6:1-2 lists 'the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands' among the elementary teachings of Christianity. This suggests that the practice was fundamental and normative. The laying on of hands is not magical or superstitious. It does not convey grace automatically. It is a visible sign of God's invisible action, a human action that accompanies divine blessing. When done with prayer and faith, it expresses identification, commission, blessing, and the transmission of spiritual gifts.