Lexical Summary macha: To wipe, blot out, obliterate Original Word: מָחָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance clap A primitive root; to rub or strike the hands together (in exultation) -- clap. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to strike, clap NASB Translation clap (2), clapped (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מָחָא] verb strike, only = clap (the hand) (Aramaic form of II. מָחָה q. v.); — Qal Imperfect3masculine plural only figurative, of joy of inanimate things before ׳נְהָרוֺת יִמְחֲאוכָֿ֑ף ׃י Psalm 98:8; הַשָּׂדֶה יִמְחֲאוּכָֽֿף ׃וְכָלעֲֿצֵי Isaiah 55:12. — Pi`el Infinitive construct suffix id., of exultation over foe יַעַן מַחְאֲךָ יָד Ezekiel 25:6 ("" וְרַקְעֲךָ בְּרָ֑גֶל). מַחֲבֵא, [מַחֲבֹא] see חבא. מַחְבֶ֫רֶת, [מְחַבְרָה] see חבר. מַחֲבַת see חבת. מַחֲגֹ֫רֶת see חגר. Topical Lexicon Overview of the Gestureמָחָא describes the physical act of striking the palms together. While simple in motion, Scripture employs it to convey a spectrum of emotion—from exuberant praise to hostile derision. The word appears three times in the Old Testament, allowing us to trace a rich theology of expressive worship and divine judgment. Clapping as Creation’s Praise Psalm 98:8 assigns the gesture to inanimate creation: “Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains sing together for joy.” The picture is poetic, yet it reinforces two truths. First, every part of creation is summoned to honor its Maker. Second, human praise is not isolated; it joins a cosmic chorus. Worship leaders often cite this text to remind congregations that visible, audible celebration accords with biblical precedent. Similarly, Isaiah 55:12 promises, “You will go out in 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.” Here clapping punctuates the future redemption of Israel. The gesture is anticipatory, looking ahead to the Messianic age when creation itself responds to God’s saving acts. In ministry settings, this verse encourages believers to adopt an eschatological hope that invigorates present worship. Clapping as Derision and Divine Reproof Ezekiel 25:6 exposes a darker use: “Because you clapped your hands and stamped your feet, and rejoiced with all the malice of your heart against the land of Israel.” The Ammonites’ glee over Israel’s calamity provoked the Lord’s wrath. Their clapping signaled contempt; God answered with judgment. The text warns against malicious celebration at another’s downfall (compare Proverbs 24:17). Pastoral application includes guarding hearts from schadenfreude and teaching that gestures reflecting inner hostility are subject to divine scrutiny. Theological Themes 1. Joyful Acknowledgment of Sovereign Rule Creation’s applause in Psalm 98 and Isaiah 55 underscores God’s universal kingship. When believers clap in worship gatherings, they align with that recognition, affirming the Lord’s reign. 2. Anticipation of Final Restoration Isaiah positions clapping within the context of the exiles’ return and the ultimate renewal of the earth. Congregations may therefore use physical expression not merely to celebrate past deliverance but to anticipate future glory (Romans 8:19–21). 3. Moral Polarity of the Same Gesture The same action praised in psalms becomes condemned in Ezekiel. Scripture exposes the intent behind the motion, teaching that outward acts are judged by inward motives (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 6:1). Practical Ministry Implications • Worship Planning: Incorporate physical expressions like clapping as biblically valid responses that involve the whole person in praise. Intertextual Connections • Job 27:23 and Nahum 3:19 depict enemy nations clapping over another’s downfall with similar vocabulary, reinforcing Ezekiel’s theme of punitive response. Summary מָחָא frames clapping as a morally charged act: it can magnify the Lord in righteous delight or expose the heart’s malice. Recognizing both possibilities deepens personal devotion, informs corporate worship, and confronts sinful attitudes that masquerade as harmless celebration. Forms and Transliterations יִמְחֲאוּ־ ימחאו־ מַחְאֲךָ֣ מחאך machaCha maḥ’ăḵā maḥ·’ă·ḵā yim·ḥă·’ū- yimchau yimḥă’ū-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 98:8 HEB: נְהָר֥וֹת יִמְחֲאוּ־ כָ֑ף יַ֝֗חַד NAS: Let the rivers clap their hands, KJV: Let the floods clap [their] hands: INT: the rivers clap their hands together Isaiah 55:12 Ezekiel 25:6 3 Occurrences |
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