The imposition of hands, also known as the laying on of hands, is a significant biblical practice with deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. This act is mentioned throughout the Scriptures and serves various purposes, including blessing, healing, ordination, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the laying on of hands is often associated with the transfer of blessing and authority. For instance, in Genesis 48:14, Israel (Jacob) lays his hands on the heads of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, to bless them: "But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn."

The practice is also seen in the context of sacrifices and offerings. In Leviticus 1:4, the individual offering a burnt offering is instructed to lay his hand on the head of the animal, symbolizing identification and transfer of sin: "He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the imposition of hands takes on additional significance, particularly in the ministry of Jesus and the early Church. Jesus frequently used this practice in His healing ministry. In Mark 6:5, it is noted, "So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them."

The laying on of hands is also integral to the early Church's practice of ordination and the impartation of spiritual gifts. In Acts 6:6, the apostles laid hands on the seven chosen men to serve, signifying their appointment and empowerment for ministry: "They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them."

Furthermore, the imposition of hands is associated with the reception of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8:17, Peter and John laid hands on the Samaritans who had believed, and they received the Holy Spirit: "Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."

Theological Significance

Theologically, the imposition of hands represents a tangible expression of spiritual realities. It signifies the transmission of blessing, authority, and spiritual power. This practice underscores the communal and relational aspects of faith, as it often involves a personal and physical connection between individuals within the body of Christ.

The laying on of hands is also a reminder of the continuity of God's work through His people. It connects the believer to the historical and spiritual lineage of faith, from the patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament to the apostles and leaders of the New Testament Church.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the imposition of hands continues to be a meaningful ritual in various contexts, including ordination services, healing ministries, and prayer gatherings. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence and action through His people, affirming the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.Imposition of Hands

IMPOSITION OF HANDS

im-po-zish'-un.

See HANDS, IMPOSITION (LAYING ON) OF.

1936. epithesis -- a laying on, an assault
... assault, imposition. From epitithemi; an imposition (of hands officially) -- laying
(putting) on. see GREEK epitithemi. (epitheseos) -- 4 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1936.htm - 7k

Whether the Imposition of the Priest's Hands is Necessary for this ...
... Therefore an imposition of hands should be made in this sacrament. Objection
2: Further, in this sacrament man regains the Holy ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the imposition of the.htm

Of the Imposition of Hands. Types of the Deluge and the Dove.
... Chapter VIII."Of the Imposition of Hands. Types of the Deluge and the
Dove. In the next place the hand is laid on us, invoking ...
/.../tertullian/on baptism/chapter viii of the imposition of.htm

Whether the Character is Imprinted on a Priest when the Chalice is ...
... Now the Holy Ghost is given by the imposition of hands. Therefore the character
of order is given at the moment of the imposition of hands. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the character is imprinted.htm

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be ...
... women a greater than John the Baptist." But those who were baptized by the apostles
were not baptized again, but only received the imposition of hands; for it ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether those who had been.htm

Epistle Lxvii. To Quiricus, Bishop, &C.
... of the Trinity, when they return to holy Church, may be recalled to the bosom of
mother Church either by unction of chrism, or by imposition of hands, or by ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxvii to quiricus bishop.htm

Concerning the Paulianists who have Flown for Refuge to the ...
... And we mean by deaconesses such as have assumed the habit, but who, since they have
no imposition of hands, are to be numbered only among the laity. Notes. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xix concerning the paulianists.htm

It is by all Means Proper that a Bishop Should be Appointed by all ...
... But they are not contradictory; for the Apostolical canon by ordination (cheirotonian)
means consecration and imposition of hands, but the present canon by ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iv it is by.htm

Whether a Bishop Alone Confers the Sacrament of Order?
... Objection 1: It would seem that not only a bishop confers the sacrament of Order.
For the imposition of hands has something to do with the consecration. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a bishop alone confers.htm

Introduction
... have been baptized in the Catholic Church, and these in such a way that they may
be reconciled to the penitence of the Church by the imposition of hands. ...
/.../cyprian/the seventh council of carthage under cyprian/introduction.htm

Knox and the Book of Discipline
... Any other ceremony "we cannot approve"; "for albeit the Apostles used the imposition
of hands, yet seeing the miracle is ceased, the using of the ceremony we ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xiii knox and the.htm

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