When we or our loved ones face illness, a deep yearning for healing and comfort arises. In these moments, many turn to faith, seeking solace and divine intervention.
The Bible, a timeless source of wisdom and inspiration, offers profound insights into God's power to heal and the role believers can play.
Among these teachings, the practice of laying on of hands for the sick stands out as a powerful symbol of faith, compassion, and divine connection.
This ancient practice, rooted in scripture, continues to offer hope and encouragement to those seeking God's healing touch.
Understanding the Practice of Laying on of Hands
The act of laying hands on someone, particularly in a context of prayer for healing, is a significant practice found throughout the Bible.
It's not merely a physical gesture but a spiritual conduit, signifying the impartation of God's power, blessing, or healing.
This act often represents a transfer of spiritual authority or the direct touch of divine grace upon an individual in need.
Exploring the Bible verse about laying hands on the sick reveals a consistent theme of God's willingness and ability to bring restoration.
A Treasury of Scripture: Bible Verses About Laying Hands On The Sick
The Bible is rich with accounts and instructions concerning the laying on of hands for healing. These verses offer a comprehensive understanding of this practice, its purpose, and its divine backing.
Let's delve into these powerful scriptures.
1. Mark 5:23
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.
Explanation: This verse highlights the plea of Jairus, a synagogue leader, who believed Jesus’ touch could bring his dying daughter back to life. It shows faith in the physical act of laying on hands as a means of invoking healing.
2. Mark 16:18
They shall take up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Explanation: This is part of the Great Commission, where Jesus promises that believers who spread the gospel will perform miraculous signs, including healing the sick through the laying on of hands.
3. Luke 4:40
Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
Explanation: This passage demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and his consistent practice of laying hands on the sick as a primary method of healing multiple individuals.
4. Acts 4:30
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
Explanation: In this prayer, the apostles ask God to continue to work through them, performing signs and wonders, including healing, by stretching out their hands in Jesus’ name.
5. Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Explanation: Ananias lays hands on the blinded Saul (later Paul), restoring his sight and filling him with the Holy Spirit. This shows the laying on of hands as a means of both physical and spiritual restoration.
6. 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 when he had prayed, he laid his hands on him, and healed him.
Explanation: This is another example of Paul using the laying on of hands in conjunction with prayer to bring about a physical healing from a severe illness.
7. 1 Timothy 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Explanation: Paul reminds Timothy not to neglect the spiritual gift he received, which was confirmed through prophecy and the laying on of hands by elders, implying a gift for ministry, possibly including healing.
8. 2 Timothy 1:6
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Explanation: Paul encourages Timothy to actively use the spiritual gift God placed in him through the laying on of Paul’s hands, emphasizing the activation and use of these gifts.
9. Hebrews 6:2
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Explanation: This verse lists the laying on of hands as one of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, alongside baptism and resurrection, suggesting its importance in Christian teaching and practice.
10. Matthew 19:13
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
Explanation: While not strictly for healing, this shows Jesus’ practice of laying hands on children, signifying blessing and protection, demonstrating the broader application of the gesture.
11. Genesis 48:14
And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Joseph’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Joseph had put them there: for the firstborn.
Explanation: This Old Testament example shows Jacob laying hands on his grandsons to impart a blessing and transfer inheritance rights, illustrating the concept of impartation through touch.
12. Numbers 27:18
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hands upon him.
Explanation: God instructs Moses to lay his hands on Joshua to ordain him as his successor, showing the laying on of hands as a way to impart authority and spiritual capacity.
13. 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.
Explanation: This verse confirms the result of Moses laying hands on Joshua, showing how it filled Joshua with the Spirit and enabled him to lead the Israelites.
14. Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Explanation: While not directly about laying hands, this verse speaks to the renewal of strength that comes from waiting on the Lord, a principle often associated with receiving healing through prayer and touch.
15. Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
Explanation: This prophecy promises restoration and healing from the Lord, underscoring God’s desire to heal His people, a desire that can be sought through various means, including prayer and laying on of hands.
16. Matthew 9:18
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
Explanation: Similar to Mark 5:23, this reiterates the ruler’s belief that Jesus’ physical touch would bring his daughter back to life, emphasizing the power attributed to Jesus’ hands.
17. Matthew 14:36
And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; and besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
Explanation: Though not direct laying on of hands, this illustrates the deep faith people had in Jesus’ healing power, believing even a touch of his clothing could bring complete healing.
18. John 9:6
When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the sputum, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
Explanation: Jesus uses a physical method (spitting and making clay) to heal the blind man’s eyes. This shows that physical actions can be conduits for divine healing power.
19. Acts 3:7
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Explanation: Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, helps a lame man by taking his hand and lifting him. This act not only provided physical support but also imparted healing strength.
20. 1 Corinthians 12:9
To another faith by the same Spirit, to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit,
Explanation: This verse lists “gifts of healing” as a spiritual gift distributed by the Holy Spirit, suggesting that healing is a divine enablement that can be accessed and manifested.
21. Romans 12:6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.
Explanation: This passage speaks about operating in spiritual gifts according to faith. For those who have the gift of healing, faith is essential to its operation, often accompanying the laying on of hands.
22. Exodus 15:26
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Explanation: God declares Himself as the healer, promising health to those who obey Him. This underscores that healing ultimately comes from God and is linked to obedience and faith.
23. Psalm 30:2
O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
Explanation: The Psalmist testifies to God’s healing power in response to his cry. This highlights the importance of prayer in seeking healing.
24. Psalm 103:3
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Explanation: This verse praises God for forgiving sins and healing diseases, linking spiritual and physical well-being and emphasizing God’s comprehensive healing.
25. Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the life-giving and health-restoring power of God’s words, suggesting that spiritual nourishment contributes to physical well-being.
26. Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Explanation: This prophetic verse points to Jesus’ suffering and death as the ultimate means of our healing, both spiritual and physical, through His atoning sacrifice.
27. Matthew 10:1
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Explanation: Jesus commissions His disciples, giving them authority and power to heal all kinds of sickness and disease, a power often manifested through prayer and the laying on of hands.
28. Luke 10:9
And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Explanation: Jesus instructs the seventy disciples to heal the sick in every city they enter, linking healing to the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
29. John 14:12-14
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Explanation: Jesus promises that believers will do the works He did, including healing, and even greater works, by asking in His name. This empowers believers to seek and facilitate healing.
30. Acts 5:16
There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
Explanation: This shows the widespread impact of the apostles’ ministry, where many sick were brought and healed, indicating a powerful move of God’s healing presence.
31. 1 Corinthians 12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, gifts of tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
Explanation: This verse lists “gifts of healings” as a vital function within the church, placed by God, further validating the practice and availability of divine healing.
32. James 5:14-15
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Explanation: This is a direct instruction for the sick to call for church elders who will pray over them, often involving anointing with oil. It emphasizes the prayer of faith as the means of salvation and healing.
33. 1 Kings 17:21-22
And Elijah stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul come into him again. And the LORD hearkened unto the voice of Elijah, and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.
Explanation: The prophet Elijah lays himself upon a deceased child to impart life, demonstrating a profound act of intercession and reliance on God for resurrection and healing.
34. 2 Kings 4:34-35
And when he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child, and the child’s flesh waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house, and went up and down once, and returned, and lay upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and opened his eyes.
Explanation: Elisha replicates Elijah’s action, laying himself upon a dead child, demonstrating the power of persistent prayer and physical contact in bringing about life and healing.
35. Exodus 23:25
And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take away sickness from among you.
Explanation: This verse promises the removal of sickness as a blessing for serving God, reinforcing the idea that spiritual faithfulness is connected to physical well-being.
Embracing Hope and Faith
The Bible verse about laying hands on the sick offers a powerful testament to God's enduring love and His desire for our wholeness.
These scriptures are not just historical accounts; they are living promises and divine instructions that continue to inspire faith and encourage healing today.
Whether through direct impartation of God's power, the intercessory prayer of believers, or the profound comfort found in His presence, the message is clear: God is a healer.
These verses invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, the power of prayer, and the tangible ways God can manifest His healing touch in our lives and the lives of those around us.
They are a source of immense hope for anyone facing illness, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles and that divine intervention is always possible.
We encourage you to meditate on these scriptures and allow them to strengthen your faith. How have these or other Bible verses about healing impacted your life? Share your experiences, favorite verses, or thoughts in the comments below.
Let's build each other up in faith and hope!