What does the Bible say about laying on of hands?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the laying on of hands as a prayerful, visible sign of blessing, healing, commissioning, and recognition of God-given ministry, while making clear that God alone grants the grace and power signified. Jesus laid hands on the sick in Luke 4:40, and the apostles prayed and laid hands on believers in Acts 8:17 and Acts 19:6. Acts 13:3 shows the church setting apart missionaries through fasting, prayer, and laying on of hands. Paul recalls Timothy's gift and ordination in 1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6, yet warns in 1 Timothy 5:22 against hasty recognition of leaders. Hebrews 6:2 names the practice among foundational teachings, not as a mechanical rite, but as a reverent ministry under Christ's authority.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 4:14 3 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 3 votes
Lay hands hastily on no one. Don’t be a participant in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 3 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.
- Hebrews 6:2 2 votes
of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
- Acts 19:6 2 votes
When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
- Acts 8:17 2 votes
Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 13:3 2 votes
Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
- Luke 4:40 2 votes
When the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
- Acts 9:17 2 votes
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
- Acts 28:8 2 votes
The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
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