The Laying on of Hands

The laying on of hands in the Bible is often misunderstood. All kinds of superstitions and false doctrines come from not understanding it. Many people who practice it don’t know why—other than, “Because the Bible says so.”

But why?

Is there some kind of secret power in the hands? Does the Spirit of God flow through them into another person? Why is this even done at all—and is it necessary?

Reasons for the Laying on of Hands

It’s easy to find Scriptures that tell us to lay hands on people for different reasons. Examples include:

These verses show when it is appropriate to lay hands on someone: when healing is needed, to commend and commission someone in the presence of others, and to give a blessing.

That tells us when to practice it—but not why.

The Power of the Laying on of Hands

It was typical of Jesus to physically lay His hands on the sick to heal them. Yet here we see that it was not necessary to accomplish the goal.

Naaman thought the power to heal was in Elisha’s hand—“that he would strike his hand over the place.”

But again, we see that the laying on of hands is not where the power is found. It is unnecessary to accomplish the goal.

Commending or commissioning someone can be done with a letter. Blessing someone can be done simply by speaking. So why lay on hands at all if it isn’t required?

The Origin of the Practice

Let’s go back in time to see where this custom comes from.

This is the first clear mention of a personal, physical oath in Scripture. It may seem strange, but this gesture helps us understand the deeper purpose behind the laying on of hands.

If you can, place yourself in the shoes of Abraham’s servant for a moment. This man had once been the heir to all that Abraham owned. Since Abraham had no children, his entire estate would have gone to his servant. Abraham was far too old to have children, so it was all but certain this man would inherit everything.

But God gave Abraham a child—two children, in fact! Two sons! Any hope the servant had of inheriting his wealth was now gone. It would be like holding the winning lottery ticket and watching it blow away before you could cash it in.

Yet we find this man grateful that God granted Abraham a son. He cared more about Abraham than about the wealth. And Abraham trusted him to find a wife for his son—the very son who would now inherit everything instead. If that son had children, the wealth would be even further out of reach.

Now ask yourself this question: How close are you willing to get to someone? What about someone you may have some resentment toward? Would you get close enough to speak to them? You might—but would you get close enough to reach under their thigh and give an oath of loyalty?

This man had every reason to harbor hard feelings toward Abraham and his son. They all knew it. But he placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham and swore an oath.

How do you think Abraham would have felt about this—other than awkward? His servant had just shown that he not only cared about Abraham and his son, but that he made his loyalty as certain as possible. You don’t grab a man by the thigh and then lie to him.

The Meaning Behind the Gesture

This is where the laying on of hands finds its power.

It’s one thing to tell a friend you’ll do something for them—it’s another to place your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eye, and give your word.

If you’ve ever studied social interaction, you might know the idea of the “touch barrier.” It’s often mentioned when describing relationships. A man might be head over heels in love with a woman, but until he crosses that “touch barrier,” the relationship remains distant—he is in the friend zone.

Touch communicates connection. It’s not necessarily romantic or sexual—but it’s personal. Every person has a “personal space” they guard, and when we allow someone into it, it’s a sign of trust and affection.

When we want to show someone we truly care, we often reach out and touch their shoulder, shake their hand, or pat their back—as if to say, “I’m with you.”

That’s why laying on of hands is powerful. It signals a bond, sincerity, and shared faith.

Love Made Tangible

Look again at Genesis 48:14–20. Can you see the old grandfather laying his hands on his grandsons’ heads? Maybe even pinching their cheeks. This was not a ritual. It was love made visible.

Joseph wondered why his father placed the right hand—the hand of strength—on the younger son. “No, Father, the firstborn should receive that blessing,” he said.

But Israel whispered in his old, gentle voice, “Shhh, I know, my son, I know.”

That image says it all. The laying on of hands isn’t about power or position. It’s about love, care, and seriousness.

Now picture the lepers—untouchable, avoided, isolated—and suddenly the loving hands of Jesus rest on their skin. That simple touch said everything: “I care. You are not unclean to me.”

That is the heart of this act.

What It Communicates

Touching the sick says, “I’m with you in this. I’m not afraid of your condition. I’m praying for you because I care.” That kind of compassion can strengthen someone’s faith.

Touching new leaders in front of others says, “I believe in you, and I support you.”

It gives public weight to their authority. Imagine someone you admire placing their hand on your shoulder and saying, “I know you can do this.”

That’s why Paul warned:

Because laying hands signifies unity and endorsement—so be careful who you align yourself with.

When you lay hands on someone and speak a blessing or prophecy, it becomes more real to them. It’s faith expressed through love.

That’s the true purpose of laying on of hands.

It has no power in itself—but what it communicates, love, is where you find the power that builds faith.

Laying hands on someone isn’t strictly necessary, unless the person you’re ministering to needs that physical expression of love to strengthen their faith. It tells them they are not alone, they are loved, and that you are sincerely seeking God on their behalf.

In the next study we are going to talk about the impartation of the Holy Ghost and spiritual gifts through the laying on of hands. Does the Bible tell us this is how it is done?

In the next unit we are going to be talking about chapter 8 of Acts.

Continue To Unit 5:2 – Is the Holy Spirit given by Laying on of Hands OR

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