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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Claps</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/claps.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/job/27-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/claps.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Claps</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/clapping.htm" title="Clapping">◄</a> Claps <a href="/topical/c/clarions.htm" title="Clarions">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, the act of clapping is often associated with expressions of joy, celebration, and approval. While the Bible does not frequently mention clapping in the way modern cultures might understand it, there are instances where the act of clapping hands is used symbolically or literally to convey a message or emotion.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>1. <b>Expressions of Joy and Celebration:</b><br> Clapping is sometimes used in the Bible as a metaphor for rejoicing and celebrating God's mighty works. In <a href="/psalms/47.htm">Psalm 47:1</a>, the psalmist calls for a joyful expression: "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 call for all nations to acknowledge God's sovereignty and power.<br><br>2. <b>Nature's Applause:</b><br> The Bible also uses the imagery of clapping in a poetic sense to describe nature's response to God's majesty. <a href="/isaiah/55-12.htm">Isaiah 55:12</a> 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 passage uses clapping as a metaphor for the natural world's rejoicing and participation in God's redemptive plan.<br><br>3. <b>Expressions of Derision or Judgment:</b><br> Clapping can also be an expression of derision or judgment. In <a href="/lamentations/2-15.htm">Lamentations 2:15</a>, the enemies of Jerusalem clap their hands in scorn: "All who pass by clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: 'Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?'" Here, clapping is used to mock and express disdain for the fallen city.<br><br>4. <b>Symbol of Agreement or Covenant:</b><br> In some instances, clapping hands can symbolize agreement or the sealing of a covenant. While not explicitly mentioned in the context of clapping, the act of striking hands is seen in <a href="/proverbs/6.htm">Proverbs 6:1</a> as a form of pledge or agreement: "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for a stranger."<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b><br><br>In ancient Near Eastern cultures, clapping was a common practice in various social and religious contexts. It could signify approval, joy, or even mockery, depending on the situation. The biblical use of clapping reflects these cultural practices, often imbuing them with theological significance.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, clapping in the Bible can be seen as an expression of worship and acknowledgment of God's authority. It serves as a physical manifestation of spiritual truths, whether in celebration of God's victories, acknowledgment of His creation, or recognition of His judgments. The act of clapping, therefore, becomes a way for believers to participate in the communal and cosmic acknowledgment of God's greatness and justice.<br><br><b>Practical Application:</b><br><br>In contemporary Christian worship, clapping is often used as a form of praise and celebration, reflecting the biblical themes of joy and triumph. It serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of worship, where believers join together in expressing their faith and gratitude to God. While the Bible provides various contexts for clapping, its use in worship today continues to be a meaningful expression of the believer's relationship with God and the community of faith.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>v. t.</I>) Variant of Clasp.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/5606.htm"><span class="l">5606. saphaq -- to slap, clap</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin a prim. root Definition to slap, clap NASB Word Usage clap (2), <b>claps</b><br> (1), smote (1), strike (2), strikes (1), struck together (1), wallow (1). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/5606.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/various/the_worlds_great_sermons_volume_i/melanchthon__the_safety_of.htm"><span class="l">Melanchthon -- the Safety of the virtuous</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And, as we commonly say, "Where the pain is there one <b>claps</b> his hand," I could not,<br> in this so great affliction, make up my mind to turn my discourse upon any <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/melanchthon the safety of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gregory/gregory_of_nyssa_dogmatic_treatises_etc/letter_iii_to_ablabius.htm"><span class="l">Letter iii. --To Ablabius .</span></a> <br><b>...</b> with it, and striking upon us with a very damp feeling, threatened such rain as<br> had never yet been known, and on the left there were continuous <b>claps</b> of thunder <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter iii to ablabius.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lorenz/the_otterbein_hymnal/150_dort_6s_&_4s.htm"><span class="l">Dort. Glorious Conqueror.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 2 Victor o'er death and hell, Cherubic legions swell The radiant strain; Praises<br> all heav'n inspire; Each angel sweeps his lyre, And <b>claps</b> his wings of fire <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/150 dort 6s & 4s.htm</font><p><a href="/library/robertson/sermons_preached_at_brighton/x_purity.htm"><span class="l">Purity.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> We hear the ocean furious or exulting. The thunder-<b>claps</b> are grand, or<br> angry, according to the different states of our mind. Nay <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/x purity.htm</font><p><a href="/library/moody/moodys_stories/moodys_stories.htm"><span class="l">Moody's Stories</span></a> <br><b>...</b> is propped up at table, and at first perhaps it uses the spoon upside down, but<br> by and by it uses it all right, and mother, or perhaps sister, <b>claps</b> her hands <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_5_1859/the_blind_beggar.htm"><span class="l">The Blind Beggar</span></a> <br><b>...</b> opened. I think I see the poor man as he hears the story, he drinks it in,<br> <b>claps</b> his hands, and cries, "Then there is yet hope for me. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blind beggar.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_the_acts/me_a_christian.htm"><span class="l">'Me a Christian!'</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He was a petty kinglet, permitted by the grace of Rome to live and to pose as if<br> he were the real thing, and yet he struts and <b>claps</b> his wings and crows on his <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/me a christian.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_1_1855/pauls_first_prayer.htm"><span class="l">Paul's First Prayer</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The angel <b>claps</b> his wings, up he flies to heaven, and says, "Brethren angels, list<br> to me, Behold, he prayeth.'" Then they set heaven's bells ringing; they have <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm</font><p><a href="/library/brown/the_story_of_the_hymns_and_tunes/chapter_vii_old_revival_hymns.htm"><span class="l">Old Revival Hymns.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> worlds I steer, And seas are calm and skies are clear, And faith in lively exercise,<br> And distant hills of Canaan rise, My soul for joy then <b>claps</b> her wings <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter vii old revival hymns.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/sermons_on_proverbs/our_stronghold.htm"><span class="l">Our Stronghold</span></a> <br><b>...</b> I see my wealth, like a flock of birds upon the fields, here one moment and gone<br> the next, for a passer-by <b>claps</b> his hand and everything takes to itself wings <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/claps.htm"><span class="l"><b>Claps</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (vt) Variant of Clasp. Multi-Version Concordance <b>Claps</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b> He <b>claps</b><br> his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God." (WEB NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/claps.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/multiplies.htm"><span class="l">Multiplies (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB NAS RSV). Job 34:37 For he adds rebellion to his sin. He <b>claps</b> his hands among<br> us, and multiplies his words against God." (WEB NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/multiplies.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/clapping.htm"><span class="l">Clapping (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/clapping.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/clarions.htm"><span class="l">Clarions (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/clarions.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/adds.htm"><span class="l">Adds (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). Job 34:37 For he adds rebellion to his sin. He <b>claps</b> his<br> hands among us, and multiplies his words against God." (WEB NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/adds.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/scornfully.htm"><span class="l">Scornfully (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See JPS). Job 34:37 For he adds rebellion to his sin. He <b>claps</b> his hands<br> among us, and multiplies his words against God." (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/scornfully.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rebellion.htm"><span class="l">Rebellion (51 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See NAS). Job 34:37 For he adds rebellion to his sin. He <b>claps</b> his hands among<br> us, and multiplies his words against God." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV) <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rebellion.htm - 22k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/add.htm"><span class="l">Add (135 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> sin. He <b>claps</b> his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God."<br> (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Job <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/add.htm - 39k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/cannot-be-forgiven.html">Do we ever reach a point that we cannot be forgiven (Nahum 3:19)? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Nahum.html">Summary of the Book of Nahum - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/infants-dashed-to-pieces.html">Why were infants dashed to pieces (Nahum 3:10)? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/claps.htm">Claps: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Claps (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/27-23.htm">Job 27:23</a></span><br />Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.<br /><span class="source">(See RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/34-37.htm">Job 34:37</a></span><br />For he adds rebellion to his sin. He <span class="boldtext">claps</span> his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God."<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/nahum/3-19.htm">Nahum 3:19</a></span><br />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 wickedness pass continually?<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/claps.htm">Claps</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lutes.htm">Lutes (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/claps.htm">Claps (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/clash.htm">Clash (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/playing.htm">Playing (37 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/clapping.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Clapping"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Clapping" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/clarions.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Clarions"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Clarions" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>