Clapping is an expression of appreciation, joy and other positive emotions. For example: a child claps their hands excitedly when they learn to roll a ball, or a person claps sounds of praise at the end of a show. At times clapping has been known to have spiritual meaning. ‘Clap your hands everyone, clap your hands; Praise the lord and pass the ammunition.’ If you’ve seen this classic war movie scene in the 1955 film ‘The Ten Commandments’ then you already know what clapping looks like.
Clapping is an expression of joy, praise or other emotions. It is done by bringing the palms of both hands together making a loud noise. Clapping has been known since biblical times through stories of religious ceremonies, dancing and even demon worshipping. Different cultures have different ways of clapping to express their emotion. The definition of clapping varies according to the subject, and it may have various cultural meanings. Some believe that clapping is an instinctive reaction to joy or excitement, but some other people associate it with congratulating someone. Some also consider clapping an art which requires talent.
Spiritual Meaning Of Clapping
Clapping is a form of prayer. When you clap your hands, you are calling on the universe to provide you with what you need.
In the Bible, there is a story about Jesus healing a paralytic man. When Jesus asked if anyone wanted to be healed, many people raised their hands in response. But when Jesus asked who had faith that he could heal them, only one person responded: “I do.”
Jesus then asked him to get up and walk. The man obeyed and was immediately able to walk—because he had faith that Jesus could cure him, and because he believed in his ability to do so.
When we clap our hands, we are calling out to God with faith in ourselves and our purpose in life. When we clap our hands together in prayer or meditation, we’re letting go of our fears and doubts and placing our trust in God’s plan for us. We’re letting go of any negative thoughts or feelings that come up during the day so we can focus on being present with what’s going on around us instead of worrying about past regrets or future fears that may never come true anyway!
Clapping is a way to express gratitude, appreciation, and support. It can also be used as a way to bring attention to something or someone. When you clap for someone or something, it shows that you like what they did or the way they did it.
Clapping is an important part of many religions. It’s used as a form of worship and prayer in many different ways. For example, in some religions clapping is used to show gratitude to God or another spiritual figure. In other religions clapping is used during religious ceremonies such as weddings or funerals. This shows that everyone involved with the ceremony supports each other and celebrates togetherness by making noise together!
You might have clapped your hands several times in appreciation, but after reading its benefits, you will make it a habit.
We’ve all seen elderly people clap their hands with full force in parks. Of course, it does seem a little weird, but you will be surprised to know that clapping your hands has some major health benefits.
To be honest, the benefits of clapping your hands are not just restricted to physical health benefits, but also enhance your mental well-being. Maybe that’s why the elderly can’t stop clapping their hands!
Here’s how clapping can really help you
The activity of clapping your hands can be done early in the morning to receive a number of benefits. It is a powerful mental and physical stimulant, as it activates your energy chakras, and improves blood circulation in the body. Moreover, it acts as a positive affirmation and also engages your body
Let’s look at the multiple benefits of clapping your hands as a form of exercise for the mind and the body.
One of the reasons behind it is that when you clap the acupressure points on your palms, the rejuvenation of your mind and body happens.
Here are 5 benefits of clapping your hands
1. It activates your energy chakras
The human body contains several energy points or centers, and clapping can help stimulate them.
“If you spend 10 to 15 minutes clapping your hands, you will be able to feel the energy passing through the seven chakras. This will activate these centers,” shares yoga expert, Grand Master Akshar with HealthShots.
2. Clapping can help in mental and physical stimulation
It is important for the mind and body to be strong, and clapping can be a very useful and effective way to strengthen the mind and the body. When you stimulate the physical and mental aspects through the activity of clapping early in the morning, it keeps you in a positive and upbeat mood throughout the day.
“This is an easy activity that can be done by anybody regardless of age and fitness level. Therefore, it is recommended to practice clapping your hands as part of your exercise routine,” says Grand Master Akshar.
Psychological and Behavioral Science International Journal also ratifies the mental health benefits of clapping. It suggests that ailments like stomach issues, neck, and lower pain, kidney, and lungs problems, etc. can also be relieved with the help of clapping.
3. It improves blood circulation
You can practice clapping your hands in seated positions such as vajrasana or sukhasana. It is advisable to perform this activity early in the morning; it can also be done by those who are overweight or suffering from chronic conditions, as they may not be able to involve themselves in any other form of physical exercise. So by clapping their hands, they can improve the blood circulation and thus be able to manage issues such as hypertension or hypotension.
4. It brings in positivity
“Across many cultures, clapping of the hands is considered to be a symbol and gesture for celebration, acknowledgment, praise, encouragement, and recognition. Even during the time of worship, there are certain people who practice singing hymns to the lord, and this is accompanied by clapping of the hands, which indicates a positive environment uplifting one’s energies and vibrations. Whether it comes to playing a sport or watching a performance, clapping is used to denote positive response,” explains Grand Master Akshar.
5. It engages your entire body
If you notice the act of clapping, it doesn’t just involve the hands. The entire body’s energy is expended during the process of clapping and it automatically improves the mood and elevates one’s energy.
Here’s the right way to clap
Of course, this kind of clapping needs to be done like you are doing an exercise. That’s why you need to follow the steps to receive benefits.
Step 1: Sit straight. You can sit normally or also in padmasana or vajrasana.
Step 2: Now laterally lift your arms. Your lower arm and fingers should be towards the roof, making a 90-degree angle with your upper arm and shoulders.
Step 3: Open your palms wide, keep your upper body tight and straight, and clap.
And repeat. Keep breathing while moving your arms. If your palm feels warm, don’t worry. That’s because it happens when blood circulation has increased.
So if you are happy or not, just clap your hands!
Biblical meaning of clapping hands
“Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place” (Job 27:23).
The modern-day practice of clapping hands has gone through quite an evolution (pardon the expression!) in its meaning. Today it is commonly an expression of applause for a musical or dramatic performance of some kind. It is also often used by audiences as a sort of percussion accompaniment to rhythmic music or dancing.
The Biblical meaning of clapping hands, however, was quite different. In the King James Bible, the expression occurs nine times, but as a translation of four different Hebrew verbs. The first occurrence is in our text (the Hebrew verb is saphag), and here Job is referring to it as a means of expressing strong disapproval of wicked men.
A second verb is taqa, meaning to “slap.” It is the one used in Nahum 3:19, speaking of the coming destruction of Nineveh: “. . . all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?” God also warned the Ammonites of coming punishment: “Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel” (Ezekiel 25:6). Here the verb is maka.
The fourth verb used for clapping is nakah, as found in II Kings 11:12, where it says “they clapped their hands” at the coronation of six-year-old Joash. This is the sole use of this particular word in the Bible and was expressing their intent to smite and destroy wicked Queen Althaliah, replacing her with the rightful king, six-year-old Joash.
Thus all four of the Biblical words conveyed a negatively violent attitude, not one of approval or pleasure. A better way of appreciation could in many cases be simply a heartfelt vocal “Amen” or “Praise the Lord.” HMM
To praise by clapping
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalm 47:1
We’ve been on a series talking about the different ways we can praise God, because praise is one of the ways we cultivate his presence in our daily lives. When we think of praise, we often think of singing, but did you know that God’s Word also encourages us to clap our hands in praise?
(See Psalm 98:8 and Isaiah 55:12.)
Why would God want us to clap? Well, have you ever noticed how clapping can invigorate and energize your body? Our hands are filled with tiny nerve endings, and when we clap as we worship God, it seems to wake us up and it helps us to stay in the moment. It’s incredible when science catches up to the Word of God and we discover reasons why God says things are good for us!
Clapping hands is also another way to express gratitude. If you clap when your pastor says something that hits home, not only are you encouraging him or her, but you’re also praising God. You’re expressing your thanks that something from the Word of God resounded in you.
When you’re praising God, don’t be afraid to clap your hands. When God’s Word touches your heart during a service, be the first to applaud. Let that excitement charge through you and you will benefit even more from the message.
Whether you’re singing, shouting, clapping or praising God some other way, get excited! Praise him with your whole heart. God wants
you to praise him so you can dwell in his presence, see more of the miraculous and walk daily in his promises!
What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to turn the other cheek?
In Matthew 5:38–39, Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” The concept of “turning the other cheek” is a difficult one for us to grasp. Allowing a second slap after being slapped once does not come naturally.
In the section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in which He commands us to turn the other cheek, He addresses the need for true transformation, versus mere rule-keeping. It’s not enough to obey the letter of the law; we must conform to the spirit of the law as well.
Much of the material surrounding Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek complements the nature of His coming, which was characterized by mercy, sacrificial love, and longsuffering toward sinners. At the same time, Jesus affirms the “last is first” principle upon which the kingdom of God is based. For instance, He tells us to go the extra mile for someone who abuses us (Matthew 5:41) and to love and pray for our enemies instead of holding enmity against them (verse 44). In summary, Jesus is saying we need to be pure inside and out and as accommodating as possible for the sake of a lost world.
A word about the “slap” that Jesus says we should endure. Jesus here speaks of personal slights of any kind. The slap (or the “smiting,” as the KJV has it) does not have to involve literal, physical violence. Even in our day, a “slap in the face” is a metaphor for an unexpected insult or offense. Did someone insult you? Let him, Jesus says. Are you shocked and offended? Don’t be. And don’t return insult for insult. Turn the other cheek.
Matthew Henry’s comment on this verse is helpful: “Suffer any injury that can be borne, for the sake of peace, committing your concerns to the Lord’s keeping. And the sum of all is, that Christians must avoid disputing and striving. If any say, Flesh and blood cannot pass by such an affront, let them remember, that flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God; and those who act upon right principles will have most peace and comfort” (Concise Commentary, entry for Matthew 5:38).
Turning the other cheek does not imply pacifism, nor does it mean we place ourselves or others in danger. Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek is simply a command to forgo retaliation for personal offenses. He was not setting government foreign policy, and He was not throwing out the judicial system. Crimes can still be prosecuted, and wars can still be waged, but the follower of Christ need not defend his personal “rights” or avenge his honor.
There was a time in history when a man would feel compelled to protect his honor against one who slandered him or otherwise besmirched his character. The offended party would challenge the offender to a duel. Swords, firearms, or other weapons were chosen, and the two enemies would face off. In most cases, senseless bloodshed ensued. Samuel Johnson wrote in favor of the practice of dueling: “A man may shoot the man who invades his character, as he may shoot him who attempts to break into his house.” The problem is that “invasions of character” are exactly what Jesus told us to tolerate in Matthew 5:38. Turning the other cheek would have been a better option than dueling, and it would have saved lives.
Retaliation is what most people expect and how worldly people act. Turning the other cheek requires help from on high. Responding to hatred with love and ignoring personal slights display the supernatural power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and may afford the chance to share the gospel.
Jesus was, of course, the perfect example of turning the other cheek because He was silent before His accusers and did not call down revenge from heaven on those who crucified Him. Instead, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).