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Hands; Imposition, Laying On of

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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im - pō̇ - zish´un ( ἐπίθεσις χειρῶν , epı́thesis cheirō̇n , Acts 8:18; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2 ): The act or ceremony of the imposition of hands appears in the Old Testament in various connections: in the act of blessing (Genesis 48:14 ); in the ritual of sacrifice (hands of the offerer laid on head of victim, Exodus 29:10 , Exodus 29:15 , Exodus 29:19; Leviticus 1:4; Leviticus 3:2 , Leviticus 3:8 , Leviticus 3:13; Leviticus 4:4 , Leviticus 4:24 , Leviticus 4:29; Leviticus 8:14; Leviticus 16:21 ); in witness-bearing in capital offenses (Leviticus 24:14 ). The tribe of Levi was set apart by solemn imposition of hands (Numbers 8:10 ); Moses appointed Joshua to be his successor by a similar act (Numbers 27:18 , Numbers 27:23; Deuteronomy 34:9 ). The idea in these cases varies with the purpose of the act. The primary idea seems to be that of conveyance or transference (compare Leviticus 16:21 ), but, conjoined with this, in certain instances, are the ideas of identification and of devotion to God.

In the New Testament Jesus laid hands on the little children (Matthew 19:13 , Matthew 19:15 parallel Mark 10:16 ) and on the sick (Matthew 9:18; Mark 6:5 , etc.), and the apostles laid hands on those whom they baptized that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17 , Acts 8:19; Acts 19:6 ), and in healing (Acts 12:17 ). Specially the imposition of hands was used in the setting apart of persons to a particular office or work in the church. This is noticed as taking place in the appointment of the Seven (Acts 6:6 ), in the sending out of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:3 ), at the ordination of Timothy (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6 ), but though not directly mentioned, it seems likely that it accompanied all acts of ordination of presbyters and deacons (compare 1 Timothy 5:22; Hebrews 6:2 ). The presbyters could hardly convey what they had not themselves received (1 Timothy 1:14 ). Here again the fundamental idea is communication. The act of laying on of hands was accompanied by prayer (Acts 6:6; Acts 8:15; Acts 13:3 ), and the blessing sought was imparted by God Himself. No ground is afforded by this symbolical action for a sacrament of "Orders." See SACRIFICE; MINISTRY; ORDINATION .