Laying on of Hands - Book of Mormon Gospel Topics

Old Testament New Testament Book of Mormon Statements of Belief

Origins of the Topic

What is purpose of the practice of "laying on of hands"?

Different denominations have different interpretations for the purpose of "laying on of hands." The laying on of hands originates in the Old Testament and was called Semikah.

Commentary: SEMIKAH. A ceremony obligatory on one who offered an animal sacrifice… This explanation of semikah, moreover, does not apply in the case of meal-offerings and thank-offerings, for they had nothing to do with a transference of sins. Since semikah was prescribed for sin-offerings and for offerings of atonement, as well as for meal-offerings and thank-offerings, it must have had a meaning which applied to all these various sacrifices, and must therefore have had some connection with the basal concept of sacrifice. Such a connection is established by the theory, advanced by Bähr and accepted by many modern scholars, that semikah was analogous to the Roman manumission. The hands, the members with which one holds and gives, were laid upon the victim's head as implying on the part of the sacrificer the words: "This is my property, which I dedicate to God." (jewishencyclopedia.com)

All Jewish religious leaders who were not Aaronic priests (Kohanim) had to be ordained before they were permitted to perform certain judicial functions and to decide practical questions in Jewish law. The Bible relates that Moses ordained Joshua by placing his hands on him, thereby transferring a portion of his spirit [Holy Spirit] to Joshua (Num. 27:22, 23; Deut. 34:9).

To exercise judgment required wisdom and knowledge (which comes from the Holy Spirit). See the topic on Glory for more information on wisdom and knowledge.

Old Testament

Abraham catching the ram by the horns is the type and shadow for the laying on of hands
Gen 22:6-14 [6] And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. [7] And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? [8] And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. [9] And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. [10] And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. [11] And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. [12] And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. [13] And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. [14] And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. Commentary: God prevented Abraham from laying his hands on Isaac - thus declaring Isaac to be property of God. The method for sacrifing a ram is to lay hands on the head of the ram (Exo 29:15).

Abraham catching the ram by the horns is the type and shadow for the laying on of hands

Gen 22:6-14
[6] And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
[7] And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
[8] And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
[9] And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
[10] And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
[11] And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
[12] And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
[13] And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
[14] And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

Commentary: God prevented Abraham from laying his hands on Isaac - thus declaring Isaac to be property of God. The method for sacrifing a ram is to lay hands on the head of the ram (Exo 29:15).

Old Testament

Israel blessed Joseph by placing his hand on his head
Gen 48:14-20 [14] And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. [15] And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, [16] The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. [17] And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. [18] And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. [19] And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. [20] And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

Israel blessed Joseph by placing his hand on his head

Gen 48:14-20
[14] And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
[15] And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
[16] The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
[17] And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head.
[18] And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.
[19] And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
[20] And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

The sprinkling of blood is a type and shadow for the gift of the Holy Spirit - Key Verse -
Exodus 24:3-8 [3] And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. [4] And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. [5] And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord. [6] And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. [7] And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. [8] And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.

The sprinkling of blood is a type and shadow for the gift of the Holy Spirit - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Exodus 24:3-8
[3] And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.
[4] And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
[5] And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord.
[6] And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
[7] And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.
[8] And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.

The laying on of hands on the sacrifice
Leviticus 3:1-17 [1] And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the Lord. [2] And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. [3] And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, [4] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away. [5] And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. [6] And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the Lord be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish. [7] If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the Lord. [8] And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar. [9] And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, [10] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away. [11] And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the Lord. [12] And if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the Lord. [13] And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about. [14] And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, [15] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away. [16] And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the Lord's. [17] It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood. Commentary: Verses 2, 8, and 13 mention laying of hands on the head of the sacrifice - see Genesis 22:6-14.

The laying on of hands on the sacrifice

Leviticus 3:1-17 [1] And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the Lord.
[2] And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.
[3] And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
[4] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
[5] And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.
[6] And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the Lord be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.
[7] If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the Lord.
[8] And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.
[9] And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
[10] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
[11] And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the Lord.
[12] And if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the Lord.
[13] And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.
[14] And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
[15] And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
[16] And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the Lord's.
[17] It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Commentary: Verses 2, 8, and 13 mention laying of hands on the head of the sacrifice - see Genesis 22:6-14.

Again, the laying on of hands on the sacrifice
Leviticus 4:14-17 [14] When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation. [15] And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the Lord: and the bullock shall be killed before the Lord. [16] And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation: [17] And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, even before the vail.

Again, the laying on of hands on the sacrifice

Leviticus 4:14-17
[14] When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.
[15] And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the Lord: and the bullock shall be killed before the Lord.
[16] And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:
[17] And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, even before the vail.

Example of laying on of hands - semikah
Leviticus 16:20-22 [20] And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: [21] And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: [22] And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.

Example of laying on of hands - semikah

Leviticus 16:20-22
[20] And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:
[21] And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:
[22] And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.

Example of laying on of hands - semikah
Leviticus 24:13-15 [13] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [14] Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. [15] And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. Commentary: Laying hands on the head is a preliminary action prior to the killing. This is why God refrained Abraham from laying his hands on Isaac - to do so would require Isaac to be put to death (see Gen 22:6-14 above).

Example of laying on of hands - semikah

Leviticus 24:13-15
[13] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
[14] Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
[15] And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

Commentary: Laying hands on the head is a preliminary action prior to the killing. This is why God refrained Abraham from laying his hands on Isaac - to do so would require Isaac to be put to death (see Gen 22:6-14 above).

Example of laying on of hands - semikah
Numbers 8:9-15 [9] And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together: [10] And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites: [11] And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the Lord. [12] And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the Lord, to make an atonement for the Levites. [13] And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto the Lord. [14] Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine. [15] And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.

Example of laying on of hands - semikah

Numbers 8:9-15
[9] And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together:
[10] And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites:
[11] And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the Lord.
[12] And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the Lord, to make an atonement for the Levites.
[13] And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto the Lord.
[14] Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.
[15] And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.

The laying on of hands is directed by God - Key Verse -
Numbers 11:16-17 [16] And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. [17] And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

The laying on of hands is directed by God - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Numbers 11:16-17
[16] And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
[17] And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

The laying on of hands gives the Holy Spirit - Key Verse -
Numbers 11:24-25 [24] And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the Lord, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. [25] And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. Commentary: Jewish tradition states that when the spirit was “put upon them,” though it does not specifically say so, it was via the laying on of hand. (Semikah). See Talmud tractate Sanhedrin 42a and comment by Maimonides. Ordination by lying on of hands was required both for membership in the Great Sanhedrin, and the smaller Sanhedrins and regular colleges of judges empowered to decide legal cases. Only a transfer of the Divine Spirit which originally rested on Moses empowered the ordained person to make decisions in these crucial areas.

The laying on of hands gives the Holy Spirit - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Numbers 11:24-25
[24] And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the Lord, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle.
[25] And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

Commentary: Jewish tradition states that when the spirit was “put upon them,” though it does not specifically say so, it was via the laying on of hand. (Semikah). See Talmud tractate Sanhedrin 42a and comment by Maimonides. Ordination by lying on of hands was required both for membership in the Great Sanhedrin, and the smaller Sanhedrins and regular colleges of judges empowered to decide legal cases. Only a transfer of the Divine Spirit which originally rested on Moses empowered the ordained person to make decisions in these crucial areas.

The laying on of hands is directed by God. Moses laid hands on Joshua and gave him some of his honour (Holy Spirit) and a charge as God commanded - Key Verse -
Numbers 27:18-23 [18] And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; [19] And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. [20] And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. [21] And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. [22] And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: [23] And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

The laying on of hands is directed by God. Moses laid hands on Joshua and gave him some of his honour (Holy Spirit) and a charge as God commanded - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Numbers 27:18-23
[18] And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;
[19] And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
[20] And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
[21] And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.
[22] And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
[23] And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

Joshua was full of the Spirit because Moses had laid his hands upon him - Key Verse -
Deuteronomy 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. Commentary: “Laying on of hands” here is (Semikah) literally, Laying on hands. Moses also ordained the 70 elders who assisted him in governing the people (Num. 11:16–17, 24–25). This is, of course, the Jewish “first council of seventy,” or in other words, the original prototype of the “Sanhedrin.” The elders ordained by Moses ordained their successors, who in turn ordained others, so that there existed an unbroken chain of ordination from Moses down through the time of the Second Temple and into the 400 c.e. period.

Joshua was full of the Spirit because Moses had laid his hands upon him - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Deuteronomy 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

Commentary: “Laying on of hands” here is (Semikah) literally, Laying on hands. Moses also ordained the 70 elders who assisted him in governing the people (Num. 11:16–17, 24–25). This is, of course, the Jewish “first council of seventy,” or in other words, the original prototype of the “Sanhedrin.” The elders ordained by Moses ordained their successors, who in turn ordained others, so that there existed an unbroken chain of ordination from Moses down through the time of the Second Temple and into the 400 c.e. period.

David was chosen by God and Samuel laid his hands upon him (semikah) - Key Verse -
1 Sam 16:11-13 [11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. [12] And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. [13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. Commentary: Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. So, Samuel (a member of God's priesthood - who had authority) laid his hands on David, whom God had chosen over his older brothers, and gave the gift of the Holy Spirit.

David was chosen by God and Samuel laid his hands upon him (semikah) - Key Verse - Key Scripture

1 Sam 16:11-13
[11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
[12] And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
[13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Commentary: Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. So, Samuel (a member of God's priesthood - who had authority) laid his hands on David, whom God had chosen over his older brothers, and gave the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Connects God's laying on of hands with glory (wisdom)
Ezek 39:21-22 [21] And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. [22] So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward. Commentary: Wisdom (glory) was always imparted by the Holy Ghost.

New Testament

Jesus laid his hands on children to bless them - Key Verse -
Matthew 19:13-15 [13] Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [15] And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

Laying on of hands was used to administer to the sick - Key Verse -
Mark 5:22-24, 41-42 [22] And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, [23] And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. [24] And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. [41] And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. [42] And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Laying on of hands was used to administer to the sick - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Mark 5:22-24, 41-42
[22] And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
[23] And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
[24] And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
[41] And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
[42] And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Laying on of hands was used to administer to the sick - Key Verse -
Mark 6:4-5 [4] But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. [5] And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.<.mark>

Laying on of hands was used to administer to the sick - Key Verse -
Luke 13:12-13 [12] And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. [13] And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

The Holy Spirit is promosed to those that believe - Key Verse -
John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was promised unto them who believe, after that Jesus was glorified.) Commentary: Even though the Holy Spirit is promised to thse that believe, the method of receiving the Holy Spirit is not specified. See Acts 8:14-17 that those with authority (that were chosen and have received the Holy Spirit) must give it.

The Holy Spirit is promosed to those that believe - Key Verse - Key Scripture

John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was promised unto them who believe, after that Jesus was glorified.)

Commentary: Even though the Holy Spirit is promised to thse that believe, the method of receiving the Holy Spirit is not specified. See Acts 8:14-17 that those with authority (that were chosen and have received the Holy Spirit) must give it.

The apostles laid their hands on those called to the priesthood (semikah) - Key Verse -
Acts 6:2-6 [2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. [3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. [4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. [5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: [6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

The apostles laid their hands on those called to the priesthood (semikah) - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Acts 6:2-6
[2] Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
[3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
[4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
[5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
[6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

The laying on of hands to those that are baptized to receive the Holy Spirit was important - Key Verse -
Acts 8:14-17 [14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: [15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: [16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) [17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

The laying on of hands to those that are baptized to receive the Holy Spirit was important - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Acts 8:14-17
[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Priesthood were called by God (Holy Ghost) and the laying on of hands (semikah) confirmed them to the priesthood - Key Verse -
Acts 13:2-3 [2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. [3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

The gift of the Holy Ghost was given to those that were baptized - Key Verse -
Acts 19:4-6 [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Laying on of hands was used to administer to the sick - Key Verse -
Acts 28:8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

The practice of laying on of hands (semikah) is commanded to be taught meaning it should continue - Key Verse -
1 Timothy 4:11-16 [11] These things command and teach. [12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. [15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. [16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

The practice of laying on of hands (semikah) is commanded to be taught meaning it should continue - Key Verse - Key Scripture

1 Timothy 4:11-16
[11] These things command and teach.
[12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
[13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
[14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
[15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
[16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

The laying on of hands is part of the doctrine of Christ - Key Verse -
Heb 6:1-3 [1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [3] And this will we do, if God permit.

Book of Mormon

Laying on of hands was used to administer to the sick - Key Verse -
Mormon 4:87 And these signs shall follow them that believe: in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover;

Jesus laid his hands on the disciplies called to his priesthood (semikah). Jesus also describes that laying on of hands gives the gift of the Holy Ghost - Key Verse -
Moroni 2:1-3 [1] The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them. [2] And he called them by name, saying, Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this, ye shall have power that on him whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles. [3] Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it, and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.

Jesus laid his hands on the disciplies called to his priesthood (semikah). Jesus also describes that laying on of hands gives the gift of the Holy Ghost - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Moroni 2:1-3
[1] The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them.
[2] And he called them by name, saying, Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this, ye shall have power that on him whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles.
[3] Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it, and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.

Priesthood are called and hands laid on them (semikah) - Key Verse -
Moroni 3:1-3 [1] The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers. [2] After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said, In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest; (or if he be a teacher;) I ordain you to be a teacher, to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen. [3] And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.

Priesthood are called and hands laid on them (semikah) - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Moroni 3:1-3
[1] The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers.
[2] After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said, In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest; (or if he be a teacher;) I ordain you to be a teacher, to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen.
[3] And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.

Statements of Belief

- No Found or Stated Position

- Consistent with Scripture

- Partially Consistent with Scripture

- Inconsistent with Scripture

Anabaptism

Anglican

Assyrian Church

Church of Christ

Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches)

(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Community of Christ

Eastern Orthodox

Islam

Jehovah's Witnesses

Judaism

Lutheran

Methodist

Pentecostal

Presbyterian

Roman Catholic

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Southern Baptist Convention

Anabaptism -

Article 15. Ministry And Leadership - The confirmation of the call to a particular ministry is a sign of mutual accountability between the church and its chosen representative. A time of discernment may be followed by ordination or a similar act, accompanied by laying on of hands.6 This act symbolizes the person's responsibility as a servant of the Word. The congregation and the wider church or conference share in this act as an indication of their blessing and support and as a reminder of the person's accountability before God and the church, and of the church's responsibility toward the person.

Commentary: The recognition of the laying on of hands as scriptural is consistent with the scriptures. However, the reason given for the laying on of hands, "symbolizing a person's responsibility," is not consistent with the scriptures.

Anglican -

Assyrian Church -

Church of Christ -

Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches) -

Epitome of Faith: We believe that these ordinances are, first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost...We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophecy, and by laying on of hands" by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.

Commentary: The laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost is consistent with the scriptures.

(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -

Community of Christ -

Eastern Orthodox -

Islam -

Jehovah's Witnesses -

Judaism -

Lutheran -

Methodist -

Pentecostal -

Presbyterian -

Roman Catholic -

Seventh-Day Adventist Church -

Southern Baptist Convention -

The Pastors Primer - Ordination to the gospel ministry is practical in many ways. To begin with, it is biblical and the service of "the laying on of hands" is found throughout the New Testament. In Paul's last two letters to his son in the ministry, Timothy, he says, "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership" (1 Tim. 4:14). And in 2 Timothy 1:6 he challenges Timothy to "stir up the gift of God which is in you by the laying on of my hands." The laying on of hands in ordination is a symbolic recognition of one's call to service and one's particular giftedness for such. In no way does it signal any sort of mystical conveyance of power or authority. It serves to simply afﬁrm one's calling and serves as a recognition by the local church of its responsibility of support and prayer for the individual. It is the church's way of saying, "We recognize your calling and gifts and pledge our prayers and support to the ministry you have received from the Lord."

Commentary: The recognition of the laying on of hands as scriptural is consistent with the scriptures. However, the reason given for the laying on of hands, "It serves to simply affirm one's calling and serves as a recognition by the local church of its responsibility of support and prayer for the individual" is not consistent with the scriptures. The statement, "In no way does it signal any sort of mystical conveyance of power or authority" actually contradicts the scriptures as the scriptures are clear that it is used to convey the Holy Spirit. As a historical note, in the 1800's, the baptist church did not believe in the laying on of hands in any form, so over time, the church has recognized this aspect of the scriptures.