What does impartation mean?
In ordinary English, to impart means to share or pass something on. The word also appears in older Bible translations. In the KJV, Paul writes that he longs to see the Roman believers “that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift” (Romans 1:11).
In some Christian circles, especially charismatic and Pentecostal ones, “impartation” has become a teaching term for the idea that God can pass on a gift, anointing or blessing through a person, often by prayer and the laying on of hands. Other traditions use different words, such as ordination, commissioning or blessing, and some are cautious about the term “impartation” because it is not a fixed biblical category. This article looks at the passages usually discussed and notes where readers differ.
Moses and Joshua
When Moses was told he would not enter the promised land, God told him to take Joshua and lay his hand on him in front of the community (Numbers 27:18-23). Deuteronomy 34:9 later says Joshua was “full of the spirit of wisdom” because Moses had laid his hands on him (KJV). You can follow Joshua’s story further in our study of Joshua.
Many readers see this as a public commissioning: Moses publicly handed on authority and the people could see who his successor was. Whether it also involved a passing on of spiritual ability is how some readers understand it, though the text also stresses that God himself chose Joshua, a man “in whom is the spirit” (Numbers 27:18).
Elijah and Elisha
In 2 Kings 2, Elisha asks Elijah for “a double portion of thy spirit” (verse 9, KJV). Elijah says it is a hard thing and depends on whether Elisha sees him taken up. Elisha then picks up the cloak and continues the prophetic work.
Notice that Elijah does not promise to give it; the outcome rests with God. Commentators often point to this as a picture of succession in ministry rather than a method that others can copy.
The seventy elders
In Numbers 11:16-17, God tells Moses to gather seventy elders, and says he will take of the Spirit that is upon Moses and place it on them so they can share the burden of leading. The passage emphasizes that God does the sharing and that leadership was meant to be shared, not carried alone.
Jesus blessing and healing by touch
The Gospels show Jesus touching people when he heals and blessing children by laying his hands on them (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 4:40). These are not usually described as impartation in the technical sense, but they show that touch and prayer for others were part of his ministry.
Acts: laying on of hands
- Acts 6:6: the seven chosen to serve are set apart with prayer and the laying on of hands.
- Acts 8:14-17: Peter and John pray for Samaritan believers and lay hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 9:17: Ananias lays hands on Saul, who regains his sight and is filled with the Spirit.
- Acts 13:2-3: the church at Antioch fasts, prays and lays hands on Barnabas and Saul before sending them.
- Acts 19:6: when Paul lays hands on a group of disciples in Ephesus, the Holy Spirit comes on them.
Notice that the pattern is not uniform. In some cases the Spirit comes with the laying on of hands, in others the Spirit is received without it (for example Acts 10:44, when Peter is still speaking). Readers should be careful about turning one case into a rule.
Paul and Timothy
Paul reminds Timothy not to neglect “the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” (1 Timothy 4:14, KJV). In 2 Timothy 1:6 he writes of “the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” and urges Timothy to stir it up.
Traditions read these verses differently. Some see ordination, with the church’s blessing and prayer for God’s equipping. Others see an example of a spiritual gift being imparted. Both agree that Timothy had a responsibility to use and keep developing what he had received.
Paul’s desire to share (Romans 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 2:8)
In Romans 1:11-12, Paul says he wants to impart some spiritual gift so the Romans may be established, and then adds that he and they will be encouraged together by each other’s faith. Paul does not present himself only as a giver; he expects to receive as well.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:8, he writes that he was willing to share not only the gospel of God but “also our own souls” (KJV). This describes impartation in a broad sense: sharing one’s life.
What is Ephesians 3:19?
Ephesians 3:19 is part of Paul’s prayer for the church. He prays that they may know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, and “be filled with all the fulness of God” (KJV). It is not an impartation account, but it is often quoted in this context because it speaks of God’s own fullness being at work in believers. Most readers take it as a prayer for spiritual maturity and a deepening awareness of Christ’s love rather than a technique or an event. See also verse 16, where Paul asks that they be strengthened by the Spirit in the inner person.
Ministry of presence
“Ministry of presence” usually means simply being with someone in need rather than offering solutions. The phrase is not in the Bible, but readers often connect it with passages such as:
- Job 2:11-13: Job’s friends sit with him in silence for seven days (though they later speak less helpfully).
- Romans 12:15: weep with those who weep.
- Matthew 28:20: Jesus promises to be with his followers always.
- 2 Corinthians 7:6: God comforted Paul through the arrival of Titus.
How traditions differ
- Charismatic and Pentecostal churches often teach that gifts and anointing can be passed on through prayer and laying on of hands, and often pray for this.
- Many evangelical and Reformed churches see laying on of hands mainly as commissioning, ordination and prayer, and stress that God alone gives gifts as he chooses (1 Corinthians 12:11).
- Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican traditions connect laying on of hands with sacramental acts such as ordination and confirmation.
Whatever your tradition, it is wise to test teaching against the whole of Scripture and to be wary of anyone who treats a spiritual gift as something they control or sell.
Questions for reflection
- Who has passed on faith or encouragement to you, and how?
- What can you do to share your gifts with others, as Paul hoped to?
- How can your church pray for and commission people in new roles?
- Read 1 Timothy 4:14 again. How do you “not neglect” what God has given you?
For more on the Spirit’s work in the church, see our Holy Spirit discussion questions.