What Does the Bible Say About Healers? Hope, Gifts, and God’s Healing
Bible Verses & Devotional
What Does the Bible Say About Healers? Hope, Gifts, and God’s Healing
When people ask what does the bible say about healers, they often want clarity: Are healers “special” people with power of their own, or is healing primarily God’s work? Scripture answers by pointing us away from self-promotion and toward God’s character and God’s Spirit. In the Old Testament, God declares that He is “the LORD that healeth thee” and links healing to walking closely with Him. In the New Testament, the Spirit distributes spiritual gifts—including gifts of healing—as God chooses for the strengthening of the church. This means that whenever healing happens, God gets the glory, and the church recognizes the gift without placing it above faith, obedience, and love. As you read the following verses, you’ll see that biblical encouragement about healers is ultimately encouragement about God’s healing power and His orderly work in the church.
At a Glance — Verses in This Article
- Exodus 15:26
- 1 Corinthians 12:9
- 1 Corinthians 12:28
Bible Verses
Exodus 15:26 (King James Version)
“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.”
This verse directly states God’s identity as “the LORD that healeth thee” and ties healing to hearkening to God’s voice.
1 Corinthians 12:9 (King James Version)
“To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;”
It shows that healing can be given as a spiritual gift by the same Spirit, emphasizing God’s initiative rather than human status.
1 Corinthians 12:28 (King James Version)
“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
It places “gifts of healings” within God’s church-ordered list of gifts, showing they serve the body rather than replace God’s authority.
1) God is the Healer—not a technique or a title
The first and most important answer to the biblical view of healers is that God is the LORD that healeth. In Exodus, God speaks personally to His people and connects healing to a posture of obedience: hearing His voice, doing what is right, and keeping His commandments. That does not make healing “earned,” but it reveals that God’s heart for His people includes holiness and closeness, not magic. In other words, healing in Scripture is never merely a transaction; it is part of God’s relationship with His people.
When Christians talk about “healers,” they must remember who holds the power. The Bible does not encourage believers to chase a certain person as the source of healing. Instead, it trains our eyes to God’s character. That perspective helps protect the church from spiritual pride and from disappointment when expectations are not met. It also steadies faith: even when healing is not immediate or does not come as we hope, God remains the One who heals.
This is why the Bible’s teaching feels both hopeful and humble. Hopeful—because God truly heals. Humble—because the healer is not the primary focus. The focus is the Lord’s faithfulness.
2) Healing can be a spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit
In the New Testament, we see that healing is not only a general promise—it can appear as a spiritual gift. Gifts of healing are specifically mentioned as part of God’s Spirit-led distribution of abilities within the church. “To another… the gifts of healing by the same Spirit” makes it clear that the Spirit is the giver and the Spirit decides how gifts are manifested.
So, what does this mean for people who say, “I want healing” or “I’m looking for a healer”? It means we should seek God first, not only a platform. Healing gifts are not controlled by human credentials; they are administered by the Spirit. This guards the church from treating healers like celebrities or placing undue authority on one person.
At the same time, recognizing spiritual gifts can strengthen believers. When God chooses to work through a “gift of healings,” it is a testimony to the church that the living God is active. The presence of this gift in Scripture assures us that healing is not foreign to the Christian faith; rather, it is within God’s purposes.
Even so, the Bible’s order matters: gifts are meant to serve the body and point back to God’s power, not to draw attention to the gift-giver.
3) Gifts belong in the church order, not in the spotlight
Paul also gives a helpful picture of how spiritual gifts function within the church. In “God hath set some in the church… after that miracles, then gifts of healings,” we learn that healing gifts have a place in God’s design—alongside other ministries. This means healing should not be treated as the only evidence of spiritual maturity, nor should it be the central identity of the church.
When gifts of healings are listed among other functions, it helps believers interpret healing experiences wisely. Some people may have strong faith, some may teach, some may serve—God uses different gifts. A biblical church is not one-person focused; it is a Spirit-directed community where gifts work together. That also means healing should be welcomed with gratitude, but handled with spiritual order.
In practical terms, the church can honor a healing gift without turning it into a brand. The focus stays on the Lord who heals and the Spirit who distributes gifts. This approach preserves reverence and prevents manipulation.
Ultimately, the Bible’s teaching about healers is about alignment: aligning with God’s voice, aligning with the Spirit’s gift, and aligning with God’s order for building up the church.
Daily steps for responding to the biblical message
If you are asking what to do with this teaching, here are grounded next steps for your daily life. First, align your heart with God’s voice. God links healing to a life of hearkening, doing what is right, and keeping His statutes. That means prayer and obedience are not afterthoughts—they are part of faith.
Second, avoid trying to control God. Because gifts of healing come “by the same Spirit,” believers should approach prayer with humility and trust rather than demand. Ask God for healing, but also surrender outcomes to His wisdom. Faith is not denial; faith is dependence.
Third, honor spiritual gifts while keeping Christ central. When the church recognizes gifts of healings, it should do so in a way that builds up the body, not by elevating one person above others. Celebrate what God does, thank Him for His kindness, and encourage others to remain steady in worship.
Fourth, practice encouragement when healing is underway or delayed. Some prayers are answered with visible relief, and others are answered with endurance. Either way, God remains the One who heals.
Let your response be marked by obedience, humble expectation, and church-centered gratitude, so that healing—whether granted, unfolding, or eventually answered—points back to God’s glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biblical view of healers?
Scripture presents God as the true healer and also describes healing as a spiritual gift distributed by the Holy Spirit. This means “healers” are not sources of power on their own; healing is God’s work, and any gift of healing functions within the church for God’s purposes.
Do the gifts of healing mean God always heals immediately?
The Bible clearly teaches that gifts of healing exist and are given by the Spirit. However, Scripture does not promise that healing will always be immediate or in the way we expect. Christians can still trust God’s character, pray with faith, and remain faithful to His voice.
Who can be a healer according to Scripture?
Healing is tied to the Holy Spirit’s distribution of gifts. The Bible mentions that God sets gifts within the church, including gifts of healings. That means the ability is not controlled by human title, but given by God according to His will.
How should a church handle healing gifts biblically?
Paul places gifts of healings in an orderly list of church functions, showing they have a role in building up the body rather than becoming a single obsession. A church should welcome God’s work with gratitude, avoid spiritual pride, and keep Christ central.
A Short Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are the LORD that healeth. Teach us to hearken to Your voice and to do what is right in Your sight. By Your Holy Spirit, distribute gifts of healing according to Your wisdom, and strengthen Your church through every work You do. When healing comes, let us give You glory. When healing is delayed, let us trust You and remain steadfast. In Jesus’ name, amen.