Hands

Hands [NAVE]

HANDS
Laying on of hands, Heb. 6:2; in consecration, Gen. 48:14; Ex. 29:10, 15, 19; Lev. 1:4; 3:2, 8, 13; 4:15, 24, 33; 16:21; in ordaining the Levites, Num. 8:10, 11; Joshua, Num. 27:18-23; Deut. 34:9; Timothy, 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6; in healing, Mark 6:5; 7:32; 16:18; Luke 4:40; Acts 28:8; in blessing children, Matt. 19:13; Mark 10:16; in solemnizing testimony, Lev. 24:14.
Lifted up in benediction, Lev. 9:22; Luke 24:50; in prayer, See: Prayer, Attitudes in. Ceremonial washing of, Matt. 15:2; Mark 7:2-5.
See: Clean; Washing.
Symbolical of righteousness, Job 17:9.
Washing of, a symbol of iocence, Deut. 21:6; Matt. 27:24.
Clasping of, in token of contract, Ezra 10:19; Prov. 6:1; 17:18; Lam. 5:6; Ezek. 17:18; of friendship, 2 Kin. 10:15; Job 17:3.
Right hand lifted up in swearing, Gen. 14:22; Psa. 106:26; Isa. 62:8; symbol of power, Isa. 23:11; 41:10; place of honor, Psa. 45:9; 80:17.
Figurative
Matt. 5:30; 18:8; Mark 9:43.
Anthropomorphic use of: unlimited power of the Lord, Num. 11:23; is mighty, Josh. 4:24; was heavy, 1 Sam. 5:6; against the Philistines, 1 Sam. 7:13; on Elijah, 1 Kin. 18:46; not shortened, Isa. 59:1; was with the early Christians, Acts 11:21.
For extended anthropomorphisms consult concordances under the word "hand.''
See: Anthropomorphisms.

HANDS; HANDS, IMPOSITION, LAYING ON OF [ISBE]

HANDS; HANDS, IMPOSITION, LAYING ON OF - im-po-zish'-un (epithesis cheiron, Acts 8:18; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; Heb 6:2): The act or ceremony of the imposition of hands appears in the Old Testament in various connections: in the act of blessing (Gen 48:14 ff); in the ritual of sacrifice (hands of the offerer laid on head of victim, Ex 29:10,15,19; Lev 1:4; 3:2,8,13; 4:4,24,29; 8:14; 16:21); in witness-bearing in capital offenses (Lev 24:14). The tribe of Levi was set apart by solemn imposition of hands (Nu 8:10); Moses appointed Joshua to be his successor by a similar act (Nu 27:18,23; Dt 34:9). The idea in these cases varies with the purpose of the act. The primary idea seems to be that of conveyance or transference (compare Lev 16:21), but, conjoined with this, in certain instances, are the ideas of identification and of devotion to God.

In the New Testament Jesus laid hands on the little children (Mt 19:13,15 parallel Mk 10:16) and on the sick (Mt 9:18; Mk 6:5, etc.), and the apostles laid hands on those whom they baptized that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17,19; 19:6), and in healing (Acts 12:17). Specially the imposition of hands was used in the setting apart of persons to a particular office or work in the church. This is noticed as taking place in the appointment of the Seven (Acts 6:6), in the sending out of Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:3), at the ordination of Timothy (1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6), but though not directly mentioned, it seems likely that it accompanied all acts of ordination of presbyters and deacons (compare 1 Tim 5:22; Heb 6:2). The presbyters could hardly convey what they had not themselves received (1 Tim 1:14). Here again the fundamental idea is communication. The act of laying on of hands was accompanied by prayer (Acts 6:6; 8:15; 13:3), and the blessing sought was imparted by God Himself. No ground is afforded by this symbolical action for a sacrament of "Orders."

See SACRIFICE; MINISTRY; ORDINATION.

James Orr