Laying on of hands — Meaning in the Bible
Placing hands on a person to bless, heal, commission or pray. It appears in both Testaments.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Jacob laid his hands on Ephraim and Manasseh to bless them. Moses laid his hands on Joshua to commission him. Genesis 48:14Numbers 27:22–23
Jesus laid hands on the sick and on children. The apostles laid hands on the seven chosen to serve, and the church at Antioch did so when sending out Barnabas and Saul. Mark 6:5Mark 10:16Acts 6:6Acts 13:3
Key passages
- Genesis 48:13–20 — Jacob blesses his grandsons.
- Numbers 27:18–23 — Joshua commissioned.
- Mark 10:13–16 — Jesus blesses children.
- Acts 6:1–6 — The seven appointed.
- Acts 13:1–3 — Sent out.