The gesture has no single meaning across Scripture. In sacrificial texts it can identify the worshiper with an offering; in leadership contexts it accompanies commissioning; in healing and prayer it expresses personal invocation and blessing.
Customs & Culture
Laying on of Hands
Placing hands upon a person or sacrifice could express identification, blessing, commissioning, prayer, healing, or appointment, depending on context.
Primary Scripture
Historical and Cultural Background
Biblical Examples
Moses lays hands on Joshua, Jesus lays hands on the sick, the Seven are appointed with prayer and laying on of hands, and Barnabas and Saul are commissioned in Antioch.
Biblical Significance
The gesture's meaning comes from the accompanying action and words rather than from an automatic transfer of spiritual power.
Related Images
Common Misconceptions
It is misleading to treat every laying on of hands as the same rite or as a mechanical transmission of authority.
Historical Setting and Evidence
Culture: Israelite, Judean/Jewish, Early Christian
Period: Exodus and Wilderness, Conquest and Judges, United Monarchy, Divided Monarchy, Kingdom of Judah, Babylonian Exile, Persian Period, Hellenistic Period, Hasmonean Period, Roman / Second Temple Period, Apostolic / Early Church Period
Evidence: Well Attested
Interpretive Importance: Essential
Directly and repeatedly attested in both Testaments.
Scripture References
Related Information
Sources
Numbers 27; Mark 5; Acts 6; Acts 13; 1 Timothy 4