Bible Dictionary
Laying On Of Hands
The laying on of hands was a symbolic act used in appointing or consecrating people for a sacred task. In the early Christian church it was associated with setting apart ministers and other servants.
Definition
The laying on of hands is a symbolic act used in appointing or consecrating people for important and holy undertakings. It expresses the setting apart of a person for a particular sacred responsibility.
Biblical Usage
In the Christian Church, the laying on of hands was especially used when men were set apart to the ministry and to other holy offices.
Historical Background
The act formed part of an early ceremony of appointment and consecration and symbolized the imparting of spiritual authority and power.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
This “formed at an early period a part of the ceremony observed on the appointment and consecration of persons to high and holy undertakings;” (and in the Christian Church was especially used in setting apart men to the ministry and to other holy offices. It is a symbolical act expressing the imparting of spiritual authority and power.—ED.)