In biblical literature, the act of clapping is often associated with expressions of joy, approval, or triumph. While the Bible does not frequently mention clapping in the context of worship or celebration, it does appear in a few notable passages that provide insight into its cultural and spiritual significance.

One of the primary references to clapping in the Bible is found in the book of Psalms. Psalm 47:1 states, "Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph." This verse is a call to all nations to express their joy and reverence for God through clapping and shouting. The act of clapping here is symbolic of a communal celebration and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and power. It reflects a spontaneous and exuberant response to God's majesty and acts as an invitation for all people to join in worship.

In the context of biblical worship, clapping can be seen as an outward expression of inner joy and gratitude. It is a physical manifestation of the heart's response to God's goodness and faithfulness. The use of clapping in worship settings aligns with the broader biblical theme of using one's whole being—body, mind, and spirit—to praise and honor God.

Clapping is also mentioned in the context of nature and creation. Isaiah 55:12 declares, "You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Here, clapping is used metaphorically to describe the joyful response of creation to God's redemptive work. The imagery of trees clapping their hands serves to illustrate the harmony and celebration that will accompany the fulfillment of God's promises.

In addition to its positive connotations, clapping can also be associated with derision or scorn in the Bible. Lamentations 2:15 describes a scene of mockery: "All who pass by clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem." In this context, clapping is an expression of contempt and ridicule, highlighting the shame and disgrace experienced by Jerusalem in the wake of its destruction.

Overall, the act of clapping in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both positive and negative expressions. It serves as a powerful symbol of human emotion, whether in the form of joyful worship, communal celebration, or scornful derision. Through these varied uses, clapping reflects the dynamic and responsive nature of human interaction with the divine and with one another.(imp. & p. p.) of Clap.4222. macha -- to strike, clap
... Short Definition: clap. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to strike, clap
NASB Word Usage clap (2), clapped (1). clap. A primitive ...
/hebrew/4222.htm - 5k

5221. nakah -- to smite
... attack (5), attacked (6), attacks (3), beat (3), beat down (1), beaten (5), beating
(1), blows (1), bothered (1), cast (1), clap (3), clapped (1), conquered (5 ...
/hebrew/5221.htm - 7k

The Sympathy of the Two Worlds
... When first they saw light they clapped their hands, and said, "Great is Jehovah;
for he said Light be!' and light was." And when they saw sun and moon, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the sympathy of the two.htm

First Greek Form.
... And Jesus clapped His hands, and cried out to the sparrows, and said to them:
Off you go! And the sparrows flew, and went off crying. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of thomas/first greek form .htm

Here Followeth a Discourse Between My Wife and the Judges, with ...
... My lord, said she, he is kept unlawfully in prison; they clapped him up before there
was any proclamation against the meetings; the indictment also is false. ...
/.../grace abounding to the chief of sinners/here followeth a discourse between.htm

And Disputes
... a fine end at the last. His own bishop, who had met him, had clapped spurs
to his horse and bolted. It may be suspected that this ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter vii name disputes.htm

Vergilius had Thought Wisely of his Temptation. ...
... added, fiercely. She clapped her hands; she leaned forward, her body shaking
with a silent, horrible laughter of the spirit. A moment ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 17 vergilius had thought.htm

Casting Blame.
... At once one of the urchins took up a stone and threw it at him, the others clapped
their hands, and hooted after him, "Hit him! Knock him over! ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlv casting blame.htm

Mr. ...
... Near the top they entered a tiny little room, with two windows from which you could
see over the whole country. Diamond clapped his hands with delight. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 35 mr .htm

In the Desert
... thought slipped out after him. The old portress clapped her hands with
a shrill command but the shadow was gone. Once more in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

About Generosity
... I know you can ride him." And when at last the other did ride off, the older boy's
eyes danced with delight, and he clapped his hands to encourage the younger ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/about generosity.htm

Reform
... that countless throng, which stood at one hour to listen to the Levite, at another
hour gathered round the priest; again, at another season clapped their hands ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/reform.htm

Clapped (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Clap. Multi-Version Concordance
Clapped (4 Occurrences). 2 Kings 11:12 Then he brought out ...
/c/clapped.htm - 7k

Clap (11 Occurrences)
... An 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 ...
/c/clap.htm - 11k

Weakening (2 Occurrences)
... Nahum 3:19 There is no weakening of thy destruction, Grievous 'is' thy smiting,
All hearing thy fame have clapped the hand at thee, For over whom did not thy ...
/w/weakening.htm - 7k

Insignia (2 Occurrences)
... he brought out the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony;
and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands ...
/i/insignia.htm - 7k

Despite (18 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 25:6 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you have clapped your hands,
and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the despite of your soul ...
/d/despite.htm - 13k

Disdain (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 25:6 For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Because thou hast clapped thy hands,
and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the despite of thy soul ...
/d/disdain.htm - 9k

Claps (3 Occurrences)
... Nahum 3:19 There is no weakening of thy destruction, Grievous 'is' thy smiting,
All hearing thy fame have clapped the hand at thee, For over whom did not thy ...
/c/claps.htm - 7k

Clappeth (2 Occurrences)

/c/clappeth.htm - 6k

Copy (18 Occurrences)
... Then he brought out the king's son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the
testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands ...
/c/copy.htm - 13k

Stamped (27 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 25:6 For thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because you have clapped your hands,
and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the despite of your soul ...
/s/stamped.htm - 16k

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Clapped: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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