What does the Bible say about the laying on hands?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible presents the laying on of hands as a meaningful, prayerful sign of blessing, healing, commissioning, and recognition of God-given ministry, while making clear that God alone gives grace and power. Moses laid hands on Joshua as he was appointed to lead Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9), and the church set apart workers through prayer and laying on hands (Acts 13:3). Paul urged Timothy to exercise his received gift faithfully and warned against hastily laying hands on anyone (1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6). In Acts, the practice sometimes accompanied healing and the visible reception of the Spirit (Acts 8:17; 19:6). It is therefore a sober church practice, not a mechanical rite.