📖 Biblical Definition
The apostolic act of imparting blessing, healing, commissioning, or the Holy Spirit through prayerful touch. The practice is listed among the elementary doctrines of Christ in Hebrews 6:1-2. Biblical instances span: blessing (Jacob blessing Joseph's sons, Gen 48:14; Christ blessing children, Matt 19:13-15); commissioning to office (Moses laying hands on Joshua, Num 27:18-23; the apostles on the seven, Acts 6:6; Paul and Barnabas commissioned, Acts 13:3; Timothy ordained, 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6); healing (Jesus throughout the Gospels, especially Mark 6:5; Acts 28:8); the Spirit's outpouring on specific occasions (Acts 8:17; 19:6). The act is symbolic and yet sacramental in some sense — God uses the physical touch as means of conveying the spiritual reality. Paul's warning in 1 Timothy 5:22 (Lay hands suddenly on no man) cautions against casual or premature use, especially in ordination. The practice continues across most Christian traditions today.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The imposition of hands in religious ceremony.
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The act of placing the hands upon a person, in ordination, confirmation, healing, or blessing; an outward sign of the impartation of grace, office, or recognition.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 8:17 — "Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
1 Timothy 4:14 — "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership."
Hebrews 6:2 — "Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead."
Acts 13:3 — "Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Either over-mystified into a magic shock or abandoned altogether as old-fashioned.
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Some pile on hands and topple seekers like dominoes; others avoid the practice entirely. Scripture treats laying on of hands as foundational, neither theatrical nor optional. It commissions missionaries, ordains elders, and channels prayer for the sick. The hand connects what the prayer confesses.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew samakh (lean upon) and Greek epitithemi (place upon) describe the same act.
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H5564 — samakh — to lean upon, to lay (hands) upon
G2007 — epitithemi — to place upon, to lay on
Usage
"No man should take the office without laid-on hands."
"The hand confirms the word the lips have prayed."
"Foundational doctrine, not novelty."