What does the Bible say about laying on hands?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents laying on of hands as a visible, prayerful sign of blessing, commissioning, recognition, and, in the apostolic age, the bestowal of particular gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8:17 and Acts 19:6, the apostles laid hands on believers in circumstances that confirmed the gospel's advance. Acts 13:3 shows the church praying, fasting, and laying hands on Barnabas and Saul as they were sent for ministry. Paul urges Timothy to cultivate his God-given ministry (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6) and warns against hasty ordination (1 Timothy 5:22). Hebrews 6:2 includes the practice among foundational teachings. The gesture does not work mechanically but points to God's sovereign grace and the church's orderly recognition of ministry.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Acts 8:17 15 votes
Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 19:6 14 votes
When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
- 1 Timothy 4:14 13 votes
Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
- 1 Timothy 5:22 12 votes
Lay hands hastily on no one. Don’t be a participant in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure.
- Hebrews 6:2 11 votes
of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
- Acts 13:3 9 votes
Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 7 votes
For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
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