laying on of hands
MediumReligious/Spiritual, Formal
Definition
Meaning
The act of placing hands on a person's head or body as part of a religious ritual for healing, blessing, or ordination.
Any direct physical touch used to convey a healing, calming, or empowering influence, or to formally confer authority (e.g., in confirmation, ordination ceremonies, or certain alternative therapies).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a fixed nominal phrase (gerund + prepositional phrase) used as a compound noun. While historically and primarily religious, it is also used in secular contexts like Reiki or therapeutic touch. The focus is on the intention behind the touch, not just the physical contact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. British English may be slightly more likely to hyphenate ('laying-on-of-hands'), but both forms are found. US English usage is more prevalent in charismatic/Pentecostal contexts.
Connotations
In both, primarily carries religious/spiritual connotations. In secular UK contexts, might be associated with complementary/alternative medicine (CAM). In the US, it's strongly linked to evangelical and Pentecostal practices.
Frequency
More frequent in religious texts, sermons, and theological discussions than in general conversation. Frequency is comparable in both varieties within those domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [priest/healer] performed the laying on of hands on the [congregant/patient].He received the laying on of hands for [healing/ordination].The ceremony involved the laying on of hands.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(Not typically idiomatic; it is a fixed liturgical/technical phrase.)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, history of religion, and medical anthropology papers discussing ritual healing practices.
Everyday
Rare, except among members of religious communities that practice it.
Technical
Standard term in Christian liturgy, sacramental theology, and some branches of alternative/complementary medicine.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bishop will lay hands on the candidates during the confirmation service.
- She practised laying hands on the sick as part of her ministry.
American English
- The pastor laid hands on the congregation member and prayed for healing.
- They believe in laying hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from this noun phrase.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from this noun phrase.)
adjective
British English
- The laying-on-of-hands ceremony was profoundly moving.
- He has a laying on of hands ministry.
American English
- The laying on of hands service lasted for hours.
- They studied laying-on-of-hands techniques in their theology class.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The priest did the laying on of hands.
- In some churches, the laying on of hands is part of the healing service.
- She felt better after the laying on of hands.
- The theological significance of the laying on of hands varies between Christian denominations.
- Some alternative therapies are based on principles similar to the laying on of hands.
- Anthropologists have noted the cross-cultural prevalence of rituals involving the laying on of hands for curative purposes.
- The apostolic succession is traditionally affirmed through the rite of the laying on of hands by bishops.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a king KNIGHTING someone by touching their shoulder with a sword – but instead, a religious figure uses HANDS to confer a blessing or healing.
Conceptual Metaphor
HANDS ARE CONDUITS OF DIVINE POWER/CARE; TOUCH IS TRANSFER OF ENERGY/AUTHORITY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'наложение рук' if the context is purely medical (e.g., applying bandages). That is 'перевязка'.
- The Russian equivalent 'возложение рук' is a direct calque but is highly specific to religious contexts, just like the English term.
- Do not confuse with the casual phrase 'to lay hands on something' (добраться до чего-либо, найти), which has a different meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect article: 'a laying on of hands' (less common) vs. 'the laying on of hands' (more common as a unitary concept).
- Omitting 'of': 'laying on hands' is an accepted variant, but 'laying on of hands' is the full, standard form.
- Misspelling 'laying' as 'lieing' or 'lying' (which refers to reclining or not telling the truth).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'laying on of hands' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary and historical use is religious (Christian, Jewish, etc.), it is also used in secular contexts like Reiki, therapeutic touch, and other energy-healing modalities. However, the religious connotation is strong.
'Laying on of hands' implies a deliberate, ritualistic, or ceremonial touch with a specific intent (healing, blessing, conferring authority). Casual or functional touching lacks this ritual purpose and symbolism.
Yes, the related verb phrase is 'to lay hands on (someone)'. For example, 'The elder laid hands on the sick woman.' However, 'to lay hands on something/someone' can also mean to find or to attack, so context is crucial.
It is always 'laying'. 'Laying' is the present participle of the transitive verb 'to lay' (to place something). 'Lying' is for the intransitive verb 'to lie' (to recline). You are *placing* your hands, so it's 'laying'.