Hands, Imposition, Laying on of
Hands, Imposition, Laying on of
im-po-zishun ( , epthesis cheiron, Act 8:18; 1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 1:6; Heb 6:2): The act or ceremony of the imposition of hands appears in the Old Testament in various connections: in the act of blessing (Gen 48:14); in the ritual of sacrifice (hands of the offerer laid on head of victim, Exo 29:10, Exo 29:15, Exo 29:19; Lev 1:4; Lev 3:2, Lev 3:8, Lev 3:13; Lev 4:4, Lev 4:24, Lev 4:29; Lev 8:14; Lev 16:21); in witness-bearing in capital offenses (Lev 24:14). The tribe of Levi was set apart by solemn imposition of hands (Num 8:10); Moses appointed Joshua to be his successor by a similar act (Num 27:18, Num 27:23; Deu 34:9). The idea in these cases varies with the purpose of the act. The primary idea seems to be that of conveyance or transference (compare Lev 16:21), but, conjoined with this, in certain instances, are the ideas of identification and of devotion to God.
In the New Testament Jesus laid hands on the little children (Mat 19:13, Mat 19:15 parallel Mar 10:16) and on the sick (Mat 9:18; Mar 6:5, etc.), and the apostles laid hands on those whom they baptized that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Act 8:17, Act 8:19; Act 19:6), and in healing (Act 12:17). Specially the imposition of hands was used in the setting apart of persons to a particular office or work in the church. This is noticed as taking place in the appointment of the Seven (Act 6:6), in the sending out of Barnabas and Saul (Act 13:3), at the ordination of Timothy (1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 1:6), but though not directly mentioned, it seems likely that it accompanied all acts of ordination of presbyters and deacons (compare 1Ti 5:22; Heb 6:2). The presbyters could hardly convey what they had not themselves received (1Ti 1:14). Here again the fundamental idea is communication. The act of laying on of hands was accompanied by prayer (Act 6:6; Act 8:15; Act 13:3), and the blessing sought was imparted by God Himself. No ground is afforded by this symbolical action for a sacrament of Orders. See SACRIFICE; MINISTRY; ORDINATION.