Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the act of clapping is often associated with expressions of joy, approval, and celebration, as well as derision and scorn. The cultural and historical context of clapping in the Bible provides insight into its varied symbolic meanings.Expressions of Joy and Praise Clapping is frequently mentioned in the context of worship and celebration. In Psalm 47:1, the psalmist calls the nations to express their joy and reverence for God: "Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph." Here, clapping is an outward expression of inner joy and triumph, a physical manifestation of praise directed towards God. This verse highlights the communal aspect of worship, where the collective clapping of hands serves as a unified act of adoration and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Nature's Applause The imagery of clapping is also used metaphorically to describe the natural world joining in praise of the Creator. Isaiah 55:12 states, "You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." This poetic language suggests that creation itself participates in the celebration of God's redemptive work, symbolizing harmony and the fulfillment of God's promises. Expressions of Derision and Scorn Conversely, clapping can also signify derision or scorn. In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah describes the reaction of Israel's enemies to her downfall: "All who pass by clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem" (Lamentations 2:15). Here, clapping is an expression of mockery and triumph over the misfortune of others, highlighting the shame and humiliation experienced by Jerusalem. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, clapping was a common gesture used in various social and religious contexts. It could signify approval, as in the coronation of a king, or disapproval, as in the public shaming of an enemy. The dual nature of clapping in the Bible reflects these broader cultural practices, where the same gesture could convey vastly different emotions depending on the context. Theological Implications The use of clapping in the Bible underscores the importance of physical expressions in worship and communal life. It serves as a reminder that worship involves the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and that physical gestures can be powerful expressions of spiritual truths. Whether in joy or in scorn, clapping in the biblical narrative invites reflection on the intentions of the heart and the communal nature of human expression before God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To strike; to slap; to strike, or strike together, with a quick motion, so, as to make a sharp noise; as, to clap one's hands; a clapping of wings.2. (v. t.) To thrust, drive, put, or close, in a hasty or abrupt manner; -- often followed by to, into, on, or upon. 3. (v. t.) To manifest approbation of, by striking the hands together; to applaud; as, to clap a performance. 4. (v. t.) To express contempt or derision. 5. (v. i.) To knock, as at a door. 6. (v. i.) To strike the hands together in applause. 7. (v. i.) To come together suddenly with noise. 8. (v. i.) To enter with alacrity and briskness; -- with to or into. 9. (v. i.) To talk noisily; to chatter loudly. 10. (n.) A loud noise made by sudden collision; a bang. 11. (n.) A burst of sound; a sudden explosion. 12. (n.) A single, sudden act or motion; a stroke; a blow. 13. (n.) A striking of hands to express approbation. 14. (n.) Noisy talk; chatter. 15. (n.) The nether part of the beak of a hawk. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLAPAn emphatic expression of joy, "They clapped their hands (nakhah), and said, Long live (the King James Version "God save") the king" (2 Kings 11:12); "Oh clap your hands (taqa`), all ye peoples" (Psalm 47:1); or exultation (caphaq, Lamentations 2:15; macha', Ezekiel 25:6; taqa`, Nahum 3:19); or repudiation (caphaq, Job 27:23; Job 34:37). Strong's Hebrew 5606. saphaq -- to slap, clap... 5605, 5606. saphaq or saphaq. 5607 . to slap, clap. Transliteration: saphaq or saphaq Phonetic Spelling: (saw-fak') Short Definition: clap. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/5606.htm - 6k 4222. macha -- to strike, clap 8628. taqa -- to thrust, clap, give a blow, blast 5221. nakah -- to smite 3619. kelub -- a basket, cage 3597. kelappoth -- an axe Library Clap Your Hands Psalm XCVIII. Psalm XLVII. The Parable of the Wedding Feast Treats of Several Ways Whereby Our Lord Quickens the Soul; There ... A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ... General Service for the Festivals of Our Lord Jesus Christ, His Future Work Continued. Prepositional Phrases Thesaurus Clap (11 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To strike; to slap; to strike, or strike together, with a quick motion, so, as to make a sharp noise; as, to clap one's hands; a clapping of wings. ... /c/clap.htm - 11k Derision (24 Occurrences) Hiss (13 Occurrences) Singing (65 Occurrences) Unceasing (11 Occurrences) Lightning (49 Occurrences) Wag (7 Occurrences) Incurable (13 Occurrences) Floods (37 Occurrences) Fatal (5 Occurrences) Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians participate in religious festivals of other religions? | GotQuestions.org What does Revelation mean when it says, “There was no longer any sea”? | GotQuestions.org Clap: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Clap (11 Occurrences)Job 21:5 Job 27:23 Psalms 47:1 Psalms 98:8 Proverbs 30:32 Isaiah 55:12 Lamentations 2:15 Ezekiel 6:11 Ezekiel 21:17 Daniel 4:35 Nahum 3:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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