Introduction
Throughout church history, denominations, churches, and individuals have adopted many practices and traditions. Some are biblically based and some are not. Some are found in scripture but are not practiced the way scripture describes them or the way God intends.
I have described a scenario below that I believe most Christians have experienced, participated in, witnessed, or at least heard about at one time or another in their walk.
Scenario
There is a gathering (formal or informal) of Christians, such as a bible study, a prayer meeting, a retreat, or just a gathering in someone’s home. It comes to the attention of the group that one of its members is experiencing some type of a serious difficulty in his life. It could be the loss of his job, a deep personal struggle, a health issue, or any number of other serious difficulties. Someone in the group suggests, “Let’s pray and lay hands on this person and ask the Lord to deliver him from this difficulty.” Everyone in the room gathers around this person, stretches out their arms and places a hand upon this person. Prayers are offered for the deliverance of this brother from his difficulty, the huddle breaks up, hugs are given, everybody takes their seats, and the meeting continues.
This type of scenario is fairly common in many churches today, especially within (but not limited to) Pentecostal circles. The question is, is this an appropriate expression of the laying on of hands. The purpose of this study is to answer this question by finding the biblical perspective on the laying on of hands.
I approach this subject as I approach all biblical subjects I study and especially ones that I teach: with a reverent fear. A little bit more so in this particular case because the instruction I am giving regarding the Church exercising laying on of hands, I am presenting as the biblical perspective, not a biblical perspective, or my perspective. I’m not giving a lot of wiggle room on this subject. There is probably more the Bible has to say about this subject than I am presenting in this study I would be arrogant to say, in an absolute sense, that I have captured everything that God has said about this or everything that God thinks about this and that no one could ever add anything of value to what I have written. I do, however, have a firm belief and strong conviction that the content of the instruction I am presenting in this study is God’s perspective on the subject. I am not claiming this as divine revelation, but as knowledge gained from a solid study of God’s Word on this subject.
I began my study on this subject by searching the scriptures for all of the occurrences of laying on of hands, compiling a list, and then systematically studying each occurrence. I place Hebrews 6:1–2 at the top of the list even though it does not contain an actual occurrence of laying on of hands and it provides no instructions about laying on of hands. It does, however, tie together all of the instructions and examples of laying on of hands throughout the bible.
Hebrews 6:1–21Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.
Context of Scripture
The author was rebuking the Hebrew believers for having become “dull of hearing” and for not being further along in their understanding of the fundamental things of God than they were. He admonishes them that at this point in their walk that they should have a firm grasp on the basic fundamental teachings of the faith. Many of them had been believers for 25– 30 years. He exhorted them to learn the fundamentals and then to move on to the more complex elements of their walk and faith. He gives them (and us) a list of fundamental teachings and describes them as being a firm and solid foundation for a Christian walk.
It is in this context that he lists the laying on of hands as being an elementary teaching.
Definition
The Greek word that has been translated to elementary is Arche (G746)
- Arche literally means beginning.
- In classical Greek it always signifies primacy.
- The term was used to describe the first cause or beginning point of a subject; the most basic, foundational, or fundamental concepts of a subject; the basic elements of matter.
- It does not convey a random or arbitrary selection of something being first, such as the order in which you pile your plate in a buffet line. Where you begin and the order in which the items are selected has no significance as to the outcome.
- It conveys a systematic and essential selection of something being first as in mathematics. Each topic is built upon the prior topic. If the first topic is omitted, then each topic that follows will not be understood or will be misunderstood. The significance of misunderstanding a topic in this instance is paramount. Once a topic is misunderstood, each subsequent topic learned is learned through a filter of misunderstanding. This increases the possibility of continuing to misunderstanding subsequent topics which further skews the end result.
When translators translate from Greek to English, they often times translate one particular Greek word into several different English words, based upon the context of the word and what they thought the author intended. The New American Standard Bible, Updated Version contains 39 occurrences of Arche. Of those 39 occurrences, 38 of them are translated to “beginning” and only once is it translated to “elementary”. I find it somewhat confusing as to why they chose “elementary” for this particular occurrence; I think that “beginning” does a far better job of conveying the overall meaning of the passage.
There are two important elements of this passage that we need to understand:
- There are essential aspects of the instructions about laying on of hands that we should study, learn, and understand.
- This is a subject that God wants us to understand and He wants us to understand it from the beginning of our walk
Obviously the practice of laying on of hands is not an essential of the faith, but we can not ignore the fact that the writer of Hebrews included the laying on of hands in the following list of fundamental teachings that he describes as a firm and solid foundation for a Christian walk.
- Repentance from dead works
- Faith toward God
- Instruction about Washings
- Instruction about the Laying on of Hands
- Resurrection from the dead
- Eternal judgment
This list includes certain essentials of the faith: repentance, faith, resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment. Each of these six items deserves its own in-depth study and writing.
The emphasis the author places in this passage is not on the act of laying on of hands but on the instruction about laying on of hands. I have come to certain conclusions as to why the author included the laying on of hands in this list, what element of laying on of hands qualifies it to be placed in this list of essentials of the faith, and how that relates to God’s instructions in the appropriate use of laying on of hands.
I stated earlier that I have a firm belief and strong conviction that the content of the instruction I am presenting in this study is God’s perspective on the subject, so I am throwing down the following challenge:
If, after reading this study, you disagree with my conclusion regarding the practice of laying on of hands, take the list of occurrences I have provided below, read and study each one, and then provide me with a biblical defense of your position.
Why Study the Laying On of Hands
- I have a desire to diligently, faithfully, and accurately exercise the gifts the Lord has given to me for His glory
- I also desire the ability to rightly discern the actions of others and to exhort, encourage, admonish, correct, and instruct (as appropriate) those over whom God has given me spiritual responsibility and authority.
- God’s Word declares that the instruction of laying on of hands is foundational to our walk with Christ
What does the laying on of hands symbolize?
The laying on of hands is symbolic in nature; there is nothing magical that takes place when hands are laid on someone. Physical touch is not necessary in order for God to accomplish His goal; however, it is a practice that has been ordained by God and should be studied, learned, and practiced accordingly.
It is interesting to me how certain groups have embraced opposite extremes when it comes to the physical touching aspect of laying on of hands. They miss the rich symbolism of the act because their practice demonstrates a belief that there is some inherent power in the touch of ones hands as if an electrical charge is being transferred from one body to another. Many of these same groups have adopted a variation of laying on of hands in which ones arm is stretched out and the hand is just simply pointed toward the individual. These and other misinterpretations usually come from a lack of thorough study of God’s Word.
The laying on of hands symbolizes the following:
- Imputation
- Transferring—It symbolizes the transferring of something from one entity to another.
- Authority—It symbolizes authority (the one laying hands on another represents God—from whom the blessing originates)
- Submission—The one having hands laid on must allow it and must be in right spiritual orientation to God’s authority.
- Identification
- The one laying hands on someone is identifying with that person or agreeing with that person’s request, direction, and spiritual condition.
- It is equivalent to saying amen after someone prays.
The General Biblical Purpose of Laying On of Hands
The act of laying on of hands is an image of God blessing His people and His people submitting to His authority.
God has ordained structure in which His blessing always flows from greater authority to lesser authority, all originating from Him the greatest authority. The biblical imagery is that of water which always flows downhill.
Revelation 22:11Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb
God gives us this image in which the water of life, representing His blessing, is flowing (down) from His throne, representing His authority.
Ezekiel 47:1–71Then he brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, water was flowing from under the threshold of the house toward the east, for the house faced east. And the water was flowing down from under, from the right side of the house, from south of the altar. 2He brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate by way of the gate that faces east. And behold, water was trickling from the south side. 3When the man went out toward the east with a line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he led me through the water, water reaching the ankles. 4Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the knees. Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the loins. 5Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded. 6He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me back to the bank of the river. 7Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river there were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
This is essentially the same imagery as in Revelation 22:1, but in Old Testament terms. The water (God’s blessing) is flowing (down) from the threshold of the house (the Tabernacle) indicating that it is coming from within. Inside the tabernacle (where only the priests were permitted) were the Holy Place and the Holy of Hollies which contained the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant represented the Throne of God which symbolizes His authority. The water became deeper and deeper with each thousand cubits the man would walk from the house, indicating that the water was flowing downhill.
Each of these passages gives us beautiful images of how God wants us to stand (or kneel) in the river of the water of life and receive the blessings flowing from his throne. This is richly symbolized in the laying on of hands when practiced appropriately.
Specific Biblical Purposes of Laying On of Hands?
- Impart Spiritual Blessings (Genesis 48:10–16)
- The bringing forth of miracles (Acts 14:3)
- Impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1–6)
- Transfer Sin (Leviticus 4:3)
- Physical Healing (Acts 28:8)
- Cast Out Evil Spirits (Luke 4:40–41)
- Raise the Dead (Matthew 9:18, 25)
- Impart Spiritual Gifts (1 Timothy 4:14)
- To Set Apart for Service (Acts 6:1–6)
The Church Today
Should the act of laying on of hands be practiced in the church today?
In some respects, the purpose of laying on of hands has ceased. For example, there is certainly no need to lay hands on sacrifices as in the Old Testament (Hebrews 10: 5–14).
In other respects, because its symbolism has rich and deep meaning for the church today, it is still appropriate to practice the laying on of hands in an appropriate manner.
One tendency is to make the practice something other than what God intends; another can be to ignore it all together. God desires obedience and that equates to practicing the laying on of hands, but practicing it appropriately.
Who should minister the act of laying hands upon others?
When one person lays hands upon another, he is doing so as a representative or ambassador of God and in so doing is fulfilling a role of spiritual authority. The bible does not illustrate or teach the laying on of hands as something that is to be practiced among peers. To do so negates the rich symbolism of the authority of God; it would symbolize equality with God which is in essence rebellion to God.
To avoid any possible misunderstanding in this matter understand that from one perspective we are all peers and God sees us all the same. There is no distinction drawn when it comes to our salvation. God does not save us based upon nationality or sex. There is no distinction when it comes to praying. No individual or group of Christians is set above another when it comes to prayer. God hears all of our prayers and calls us to pray for one another. From another perspective God has ordained a particular structure or hierarchy to His kingdom, as in the church or in a family.
- Husbands are to lead their wives; wives are not to lead their husbands.
- The church is to be lead by male leadership, not female.
These are but two examples, but it is from this perspective that we are to lay hands on based upon distinction.
The following is a list of appropriate expressions of the laying on of hands:
- Husband to wife
- Parent to child
- Elder/pastor to church member
- Believer to unbeliever
On Whom Should Hands Be Laid?
1 Timothy 5:22Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.
Paul is instructing Timothy, who is in Ephesus, regarding elders; he is not instructing elders. By the context of this sentence it is clear that Paul is telling Timothy to be careful when appointing elders; to be sure that they are qualified and capable of serving, and to carefully examine their lives before laying hands on them to appoint them as elders.
This warning relates to the laying on of hands for any reason. Care should be taken before laying hands on someone to ensure his or her spiritual condition warrants it. One’s heart must be in right orientation with God—a place of embracing God’s authority—in order to rightly receive God’s blessing. The one laying hands on someone is identifying with that person or agreeing with that persons request, direction, and spiritual condition.
For What Specific Purposes Should Hands Be Laid?
- Ordaining those who serve
- Sending out of apostles and evangelists
- Healing
The bible gives us specific purposes for laying on of hands but do not confuse the biblical act of laying on of hands with an act of compassion such as putting an arm around someone’s shoulder or holding someone’s hand during prayer. God calls us to love one another as we love ourselves; showing compassion for and comforting each other certainly falls within this command.
Conclusion
The laying on of hands is itself a symbolic act of spiritual authority because something of greater spiritual value is being conferred from one (a representative of God) to another (a recipient of God’s blessing).
Having hands layed on is an act of submission.
The beautiful images of how God wants us to stand (or kneel) in the river of the water of life and receive the blessings flowing from his throne are richly symbolized in the laying on of hands when practiced appropriately.
This act is a picture God’s people submitting to Him; this is an essential of the faith. We cannot be in right relationship with God without submitting to Him. If we are not submitting to God, we are rebelling against Him; we cannot be true believers if we are in rebellion to God.
It is this element of the instruction about the laying on of hands that is an essential of the faith and what qualifies this act to appear in the list given by the author of Hebrews. This element makes the proper use of laying on of hands critical in the church today. If we do not properly and appropriately understand and practice the laying on of hands, then we symbolize rebellion to God, not submission.
Biblical Occurrences
| Testament | Book and Verse | Person Laying on Hands | Person Having Hands Laid On | Relationship | Purpose |
| Old | Genesis 48:14, 17-19 |
Israel | Manasseh and Ephraim (Joseph’s sons) | Grandfather/grandsons | Impart blessing |
| Old | Exodus 29:10–21 | Priests | The bull and the ram to be sacrificed | Priests/Sacrifice | To consecrate the priests |
| Old | Leviticus 3 | Priests | Lamb/Goat | Priests/Sacrifice | Transfer of sin |
| Old | Leviticus 4:4 | Priests | The bull about to be sacrificed | Priests/Sacrifice | Transfer of sin |
| Old | Leviticus 4:13–21 | The elders | The bull about to be sacrificed | Elders/sacrifice | Transfer of sin |
| Old | Leviticus 8:14 | Aaron and his sons | Bull | Priests/Sacrifice | To consecrate the priests |
| Old | Leviticus 8:18 | Aaron and his sons | Ram | Priests/Sacrifice | To consecrate the priests |
| Old | Leviticus 8:22 | Aaron and his sons | Ram | Priests/Sacrifice | To consecrate the priests |
| Old | Leviticus 16:21 | Priests | Goat | Priests/Sacrifice | Transfer of sin |
| Old | Leviticus 24:13–16 | All who heard someone curse the name of the Lord. | A person who cursed the name of the Lord. | Witnesses/criminal | Warning |
| Old | Numbers 8:5–11 | Sons of Israel | Levites | Sons of Israel/Levites | To set apart for service |
| Old | Numbers 27:18-23 | Moses | Joshua | Leader/successor | To set apart for service |
| Old | Deuteronomy 34:9 | Moses | Joshua | Leader/successor | To set apart for service |
| Old | Daniel 10:10-21 | An angel of the Lord | Daniel | Angel/Man of God | |
| New | Matthew 19:13-15 | Jesus | Children | The Lord Jesus | Impart blessing |
| New | Matthew 20:34 | Jesus | Two blind men sitting on the road | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Matthew 8:14–15 |
Jesus | Peter’s mother-in-law | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Matthew 8:2–4 | Jesus | Leper in a crowd | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Matthew 9:18, 25 | Jesus | Daughter of a synagogue official. | The Lord Jesus | Raising of the dead |
| New | Mark 1:41 | Jesus | Leper in a crowd | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Mark 10:13, 16 | Jesus | Children | The Lord Jesus | Impart blessing |
| New | Mark 16:18 | The Lord’s commissioned disciples and those who were saved through the disciples. | Unbelievers | Believer/unbeliever | Physical Healing |
| New | Mark 5:23 | Jesus | Jairus’s daughter at his request. | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Mark 6:5 | Jesus | A few sick people in Nazareth | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Mark 7:32–33 | Jesus | Deaf and mute man from Decapolis | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Mark 8:23–25 | Jesus | Blind man in Bathsaida | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Luke 13:11-13 |
Jesus | Woman in synagogue on Sabbath. | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing; removing evil spirits |
| New | Luke 22:50–51 | Jesus | Centurion guard | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing |
| New | Luke 4:40, 41 | Jesus | Those who were sick and demon possessed in Capernaum. | The Lord Jesus | Physical Healing; removing evil spirits |
| New | Acts 13:3 | The elders | Barnabas and Saul | Leadership/members of the congregation | To set apart for service |
| New | Acts 14:3 | The apostles | Undisclosed | Apostles/Christians | Bring forth of miracles |
| New | Acts 19:6 | Paul | Ephesians (new believers) | Apostles/Christians | Impart the Holy Spirit |
| New | Acts 28:8 | Paul | The father of Publius | Apostle/unbeliever | Physical healing |
| New | Acts 5:12 | The apostles | Undisclosed | Apostles/Christians | Bring forth of miracles |
| New | Acts 6:5, 6 | The apostles | Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas; the seven chosen as deacons. | Leadership/members of the congregation | To set apart for service |
| New | Acts 8:18 | Peter and John | New Christians | Apostles/Christians | Impart the Holy Spirit |
| New | Acts 9:10-12, 17 | Ananias | Paul the Apostle | Believer/unbeliever | Physical healing and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. |
| New | 1 Timothy 4:14 | The elders |
Timothy | Leadership/members of the congregation | Impart spiritual gifts |
| New | 2 Timothy 1:6 | The elders | Timothy | Leadership/members of the congregation | Impart spiritual gifts |
| New | Hebrews 6:1, 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| New | James 5:14 | The elders | Those having asked to have the elders pray | Elders/congregation | Physical healing |
