Topical Encyclopedia The imposition of hands, particularly in the context of blessing, is a significant practice throughout the biblical narrative. This act symbolizes the transmission of blessing, authority, or spiritual power from one individual to another. It is a gesture rich in meaning and tradition, deeply rooted in the history and theology of the Judeo-Christian faith.Old Testament Foundations The practice of laying on hands for blessing is first seen in the patriarchal narratives. In Genesis 48:14, Jacob (Israel) blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, by laying his hands on their heads. The text states, "But Israel reached 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." This act not only conveys a blessing but also signifies the conferral of a particular status or destiny, as Jacob intentionally crosses his hands to bestow the greater blessing on the younger Ephraim. The laying on of hands is also seen in the context of priestly and sacrificial functions. In Leviticus 16:21, Aaron lays both hands on the head of the live goat, confessing over it all the iniquities of the Israelites, symbolically transferring their sins to the animal. This act of imposition is integral to the Day of Atonement rituals, highlighting the hands as a conduit for spiritual transactions. New Testament Practice In the New Testament, the imposition of hands continues to be a significant act, particularly in the ministry of Jesus and the early Church. Jesus frequently uses His hands in acts of healing and blessing. In Mark 10:16, Jesus takes the children in His arms, lays His hands on them, and blesses them. The text reads, "And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them." This gesture underscores the personal and intimate nature of Jesus' blessings. The Apostolic Church also employs the laying on of hands for various purposes, including the impartation of the Holy Spirit, healing, and commissioning for ministry. In Acts 8:17, Peter and John lay hands on the Samaritans who had believed in Jesus, and they receive the Holy Spirit: "Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." This act signifies the transmission of divine power and presence, affirming the believers' inclusion in the body of Christ. Furthermore, the laying on of hands is used in the ordination and commissioning of leaders within the Church. In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul reminds Timothy, "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you." This practice underscores the continuity of apostolic authority and the communal recognition of God's calling and gifting. Theological Significance The imposition of hands in blessing is a profound expression of faith, community, and divine interaction. It serves as a tangible sign of God's favor, presence, and empowerment. Through this act, the biblical narrative reveals a God who is intimately involved with His people, using human agents to convey His grace and purpose. The laying on of hands, therefore, is not merely a ritualistic gesture but a dynamic means by which God's blessings are imparted and His will is enacted in the lives of individuals and communities. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 48:14And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 10:16 Library The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. Catechetical Instruction. Paul in Ephesus. Whether Exorcism Should Precede Baptism? Heresies The General Conference of 1808 Acts XIII General Conference of 1824 Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ... A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |