### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis, `{{G1936}}`) is derived from the verb ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi, `{{G2007}}`), which means "to place upon," "to lay upon," or "to impose." As a noun, ἐπίθεσις denotes the *act* or *process* of laying or placing something upon another. While its broader semantic range could encompass any "laying on," its specific usage in the New Testament, as indicated by its base definition, is narrowed to the "imposition (of hands officially)." This highlights a particular, often ritualistic or symbolic, application of the act, signifying a transfer, commissioning, or impartation. It is not merely a physical contact but an action imbued with spiritual or ecclesiastical significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis, `{{G1936}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, consistently in the context of "the laying on of hands":
* **[[Acts 8:18]]**: This passage describes Simon the sorcerer observing that the Holy Spirit was given through the "laying on of the apostles' hands." Here, ἐπίθεσις is directly linked to the impartation of the Holy Spirit, serving as the visible means by which the Samaritans received the Spirit after their baptism. It underscores the apostolic authority and the tangible nature of this spiritual transfer.
* **[[1 Timothy 4:14]]**: Paul instructs Timothy not to neglect the spiritual gift within him, which was given "through prophecy with the laying on of hands of the presbytery." This verse connects ἐπίθεσις to the formal commissioning and ordination of individuals for ministry, indicating that the gift was imparted through a communal act involving the eldership. It suggests a recognition and empowering for service within the church.
* **[[2 Timothy 1:6]]**: Paul exhorts Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God that is in him "through the laying on of my hands." This personal testimony from Paul reinforces the concept of apostolic impartation and mentorship. It highlights a direct, personal transmission of spiritual endowment for Timothy's ministry, likely in the context of his initial commissioning.
* **[[Hebrews 6:2]]**: This verse lists "the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands, and resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment" as foundational doctrines. The inclusion of ἐπίθεσις among these elementary principles suggests that the practice of laying on of hands was a well-established and significant aspect of early Christian instruction and practice, possibly referring to a rite of confirmation, healing, or ordination that followed baptism.
Across these occurrences, the common thread is the "laying on of hands" as a specific, purposeful act within the Christian community, typically associated with spiritual impartation, commissioning, or identification.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis, `{{G1936}}`) is derived, namely ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi, `{{G2007}}`). This verb is used more broadly in the New Testament to describe the act of "laying on" in various contexts: laying hands on the sick for healing (e.g., [[Mark 6:5]], [[Luke 4:40]], [[Acts 28:8]]), laying hands on individuals for blessing (e.g., [[Mark 10:16]]), or even for judgment or arrest.
The substantive phrase "laying on of hands" (ἐπίθεσις τῶν χειρῶν) is crucial. The noun χεῖρ (cheir, `{{G5495}}`), meaning "hand," is integral to understanding the full scope of the practice.
Conceptually, ἐπίθεσις is deeply connected to:
* **Ordination and Commissioning**: As seen in the Pastoral Epistles, it signifies the church's recognition and God's equipping of individuals for specific ministry roles.
* **Impartation of Spiritual Gifts and the Holy Spirit**: Particularly in Acts, it serves as a channel for the Holy Spirit's reception and the transmission of spiritual abilities.
* **Healing**: While ἐπίθεσις itself is not directly used for healing in the New Testament, the underlying verb ἐπιτίθημι is frequently associated with it, indicating a broader practice of physical touch in prayer and ministry.
* **Identification and Blessing**: In the Old Testament, the laying on of hands was used for identifying with a sacrifice ([[Leviticus 1:4]]), blessing (e.g., Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh, [[Genesis 48:14]]), and commissioning (Moses commissioning Joshua, [[Numbers 27:18-23]], [[Deuteronomy 34:9]]). These Old Testament precedents provide a rich theological background for the New Testament practice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis, `{{G1936}}`) in the New Testament is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Impartation and Empowerment**: The most prominent theological implication is its association with the impartation of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. It signifies God's active involvement in empowering believers for service and witness. It is a tangible sign of an invisible divine work.
2. **Apostolic Authority and Succession**: In the book of Acts, the apostles' unique role in the "laying on of hands" for receiving the Spirit highlights their foundational authority in the early church. In the Pastoral Epistles, it points to the transmission of spiritual authority and gifts from one generation of leaders to the next (e.g., Paul to Timothy).
3. **Ordination and Commissioning**: The practice underscores the corporate nature of ministry. It is not merely a self-appointment but a public, often communal, act of recognition and authorization by the church, through which God's call and gifting are affirmed and enhanced.
4. **Foundational Christian Practice**: Its inclusion in [[Hebrews 6:2]] among the "elementary principles of Christ" suggests that the "laying on of hands" was a fundamental component of early Christian teaching and a common practice, likely understood as a rite that followed baptism, signifying spiritual growth, confirmation, or commissioning.
5. **Symbolic of Identification and Transfer**: Drawing from its Old Testament roots, the act symbolizes a spiritual connection, identification, or transfer of blessing, authority, or even burden. It is a physical act that points to a deeper spiritual reality. It is a means, not the source, of divine grace and power.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis, `{{G1936}}`) denotes the "laying on" or "imposition," specifically of hands, within the New Testament context. Rooted in the verb ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi, `{{G2007}}`), its usage consistently points to a deliberate, often official, act. Theologically, ἐπίθεσις is a significant practice symbolizing and facilitating the impartation of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, the commissioning and ordination of individuals for ministry, and the transmission of spiritual authority within the church. As a foundational principle of early Christian instruction, it underscores the tangible means through which God's divine power and presence are conveyed and affirmed within the believing community, connecting believers to God's work through His chosen instruments.
TRV