Laying on of Hands

The laying on of hands in the Old Testament could indicate the passing on of a blessing (Genesis 48:8-20), and identification of the people with their sin-offering (Leviticus 1:4), or the passing on of authority or power, as of Moses to Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9).  In the New Testament there are similar applications, possibly following rabbinic practice. Jesus blessed children, laying his hands on them (Mark 10:16). He healed the sick likewise (Mark 6:5), as did the apostles (Mark 16:18, Acts 9:12).

The  Holy Spirit was sometimes conferred by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-19). The practice was also used as a way of appointing believers for a specific service (Acts 6:6 & 13:3, 2 Timothy 1:6). Paul laid his hands on Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6) and  urged him not to be “hasty in the laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22), perhaps meaning that he should not rush into choosing people for various tasks. While there are aspects of the laying on of  hands which do not seem applicable today, such as the passing on of the Holy Spirit, the use of the laying on of hands in appointing believers to specific tasks could still be seen as relevant.

Newly baptized brothers and sisters are given “the right hand of fellowship” which would seem a modern adaptation of the idea. The term appears in Galatians 2:9, but for something different. The practice may well have arisen from the emotional value of physical contact between individuals. Physical contact expresses warmth, affection, sincerity. There used to be a car sticker which said: “Have you hugged your kid today?” Physical contact between human beings is important and valuable.