Lexical Summary epithesis: Laying on, imposition Original Word: ἐπίθεσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance assault, impositionFrom epitithemi; an imposition (of hands officially) -- laying (putting) on. see GREEK epitithemi HELPS Word-studies 1936 epíthesis (from 2007 /epitíthēmi, "place upon") – properly to put, lay on (hands); used of the Lord conveying supernatural encouragement and revelation by "the laying on of hands." This simple procedure looks to the Lord for guidance and to pass on confirmation of His will. It is the principal means of "ordaining" someone to ministry, but should also be a regular practice in the church when helping someone confirm (discover) God's will, etc. [1 Tim 4:14 shows how the "laying on of hands" helps spur people to receive God's grace-gifts. These endowments bring great fruitfulness to the Lord's Church. (Ro 1:11) Paul exemplified face-to-face meetings with churches because these are spiritually dynamic. They included: "laying on of hands" (done in conjunction with the elders of the church), and moving in spiritual gifts (cf. 1 Cor 12:12, 14:18).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epitithémi Definition a laying on, an assault NASB Translation laying (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1936: ἐπίθεσιςἐπίθεσις, ἐπιθησεως, ἡ (ἐπιτίθημι), a laying on, imposition: τῶν χειρῶν, Acts 8:18; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2. The imposition of hands, χειροθεσια, was a sacred rite transmitted by the Jews to the Christians, and employed in praying for another, or in conferring upon him divine blessings, especially bodily health, or the Holy Spirit (at the administration of baptism and the inauguration to their office of the teachers and ministers of the church): Genesis 48:14; Numbers 27:18, 23; Deuteronomy 34:9; 2 Kings 5:11, etc.; Matthew 19:13; Mark 16:18; Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3; Acts 19:6, etc. (See B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope The noun ἐπίθεσις denotes “a placing upon” and, in context, describes the ceremonial action of placing hands upon an individual. In Scripture this gesture regularly accompanies prayer, blessing, identification, or the conferral of spiritual authority and power. Old Testament Antecedents The laying on of hands first appears when patriarchs confer blessing (Genesis 48:14) and when worshipers identify with sacrificial animals (Leviticus 1:4). Moses lays hands on Joshua to commission him and impart the Spirit-empowered ability to lead (Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9). These precedents prepare the way for New Testament practice by uniting symbolic identification with divine empowerment. Usage in the New Testament Church Acts 8:18 depicts Peter and John laying hands on Samaritan believers so that “they received the Holy Spirit.” The event demonstrates apostolic recognition of new converts, the unity of the Church across ethnic lines, and the divine authentication of gospel advance. Simon’s misguided desire to purchase this authority underscores that the power resides in God, not in human technique. Ordination and Gift Impartation Paul reminds Timothy, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders” (1 Timothy 4:14). The gesture accompanies prophetic affirmation and public acknowledgment of God-given ability for ministry. Later Paul urges, “Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6), linking the act to the Holy Spirit’s charismatic enablement. The pattern reveals that ordination is neither a mere formality nor an institutional credential but a sacred moment of consecration in which spiritual gifts are recognized and stirred. Foundational Teaching of the Faith Hebrews lists “instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment” among elementary doctrines (Hebrews 6:2). Early believers viewed the practice as part of the basic catechesis for new disciples, highlighting its importance for ecclesial life and spiritual growth. Confirmation and Blessing Though the noun ἐπίθεσις occurs only four times, related verbs show Jesus and the apostles using the gesture to bestow healing (Mark 6:5; Acts 9:12) and blessing (Mark 10:16). These passages illuminate the broader theology of touch as an expression of compassion and a conduit for divine grace. Pastoral Cautions and Integrity While 1 Timothy 5:22 uses the cognate verb rather than the noun, its warning, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,” rightly tempers zeal with discernment. Leaders must ensure candidates display godly character and sound doctrine before public endorsement, guarding the church from complicity in sin. Continuity in Church History From the post-apostolic era through modern times, ordination by laying on of hands has been preserved in liturgical traditions and free-church settings alike. Whether in episcopal succession or congregational commissioning, the action signals continuity with apostolic precedent and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Practical Application for the Contemporary Church 1. Employ the rite reverently in ordinations, mission send-offs, and moments of blessing, always coupling the act with prayer and Scripture. Through ἐπίθεσις the Church visibly acknowledges God’s invisible work, expressing unity, continuity, and dependence on the Spirit who equips believers for service and witness. Forms and Transliterations επιθεσεως επιθέσεως ἐπιθέσεως ἐπιθέσεώς επίθεσιν epitheseos epitheseōs epithéseos epithéseōs epithéseṓsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 8:18 N-GFSGRK: διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν NAS: through the laying on of the apostles' KJV: through laying on of the apostles' INT: by the laying on of the hands 1 Timothy 4:14 N-GFS 2 Timothy 1:6 N-GFS Hebrews 6:2 N-GFS |
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