In biblical tradition, the hand holds significant symbolic meaning, particularly in the context of consecration. The act of consecration involves setting apart a person, object, or place for a sacred purpose, and the hand often plays a central role in this process. The use of hands in consecration is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries through to the New Testament, reflecting the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the laying on of hands is a common practice in consecration rituals. This act symbolizes the transfer of authority, blessing, or sanctity. One of the most notable examples is the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. In Exodus 29:10, Moses is instructed to bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and lay his hands on the bull as part of the ordination ceremony. This act signifies the setting apart of Aaron and his descendants for the priestly service.

Leviticus 8:22-24 further illustrates the use of hands in consecration: "Then he presented the second ram, the ram of ordination, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot." This ritual underscores the complete dedication of the priest to God's service, symbolizing the purification and sanctification of the priest's actions, hearing, and walk.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the laying on of hands continues to be a significant act of consecration and blessing. Jesus Himself used His hands to heal and bless, as seen in Mark 10:16: "And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them." This act of blessing through the hands signifies the impartation of divine favor and grace.

The apostles also employed the laying on of hands in the early church. In Acts 6:6, the apostles laid hands on the seven chosen men to set them apart for the service of distributing food, indicating their consecration for a specific ministry. Similarly, in Acts 13:3, the church in Antioch laid hands on Barnabas and Saul before sending them off on their missionary journey, marking their consecration for the work to which the Holy Spirit had called them.

Symbolism and Significance

The hand in consecration symbolizes the transmission of spiritual authority and blessing. It represents the human instrument through which God imparts His divine purpose and power. The act of laying on hands is not merely a ritualistic gesture but a profound expression of faith and obedience to God's will.

In the broader biblical narrative, the hand signifies God's active involvement in the world. Isaiah 41:10 reassures believers of God's support: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This imagery of God's hand underscores His sovereignty and the assurance of His presence in the lives of those consecrated to His service.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the laying on of hands remains a vital element in ordination, healing, and blessing ceremonies. It serves as a tangible reminder of the spiritual realities at work and the believer's commitment to God's calling. The hand in consecration continues to be a powerful symbol of dedication, service, and the divine empowerment bestowed upon those set apart for God's purposes.Genesis 48:14
And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 29:10,15,19
And you shall cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bullock.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 1:4
And he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 3:2,8,13
And he shall lay his hand on 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 on the altar round about.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 4:15,24,33
And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 16:21
And Aaron shall lay both his hands on 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 on the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:
Nave's Topical Index

Consecration: what is It?
... Hudson Taylor, "if you do not crown Him Lord of all, you do not crown Him Lord at
all." This view of consecration, with its ... If not the reason is close at hand. ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter xii consecration what is.htm

Consecration.
... This mother's consecration was tested. ... One piece struck Louise on the palm of the
hand just below the thumb, knocking off the skin, but not producing a wound ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter v consecration.htm

The Consecration of Joy
... The feast of tabernacles was the consecration of joy. ... must be purity as well as
'fullness of joy.' If this festival teaches us, on the one hand, that they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the consecration of joy.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... A reference to God must underlie all that is good in men, and on the other hand,
that consecration to God is a delusion or a deception which does not issue in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

Consecration Complete
... Does it seem to some of you an evidence of entire consecration that we stand on ... I
won't do that', and 'that doesn't matter'; but whatsoever his hand findeth to ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/ii consecration complete.htm

Centenary Commemoration of the Consecration of Bishop Seabury. ...
... undertaking and the apparently hopeless inadequacy of the means at hand for its ... last
year, and which gather round, and centre in, his consecration at Aberdeen ...
/.../centenary commemoration of the consecration.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... still owns has already been judged by Christ's Session at the Right Hand of God ... The
first part of that Prayer [5801] is the consecration of Himself by the Great ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

Whether in the Aforesaid Words of the Forms There be any Created ...
... can do so instrumentally, just as the touch of Christ's hand healed the ... to Objection
3: The aforesaid words, which work the consecration, operate sacramentally ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the aforesaid words.htm

February the Fourteenth Imperfect Consecration
... of the incomplete consecration were found in lack of power, lack of assurance, lack
of joy and peace. The "joy of the Lord" begins when we hand over the last ...
/.../february the fourteenth imperfect consecration.htm

Letter clxi. To Amphilochius on his Consecration as Bishop.
... To Amphilochius on his consecration as Bishop. ... 2. Play the man, then, and be strong,
and walk before the people whom the Most High has entrusted to your hand. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter clxi to amphilochius on.htm

What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org

How can I see the hand of God moving in my life? | GotQuestions.org

Why does Scripture emphasize the right hand of God? | GotQuestions.org

Hand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus