In biblical contexts, the act of clasping can be understood as a gesture of holding or fastening, often symbolizing unity, support, or a bond between individuals or objects. While the term "clasping" itself may not be explicitly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is illustrated through various actions and symbols throughout Scripture.

Symbolism and Usage

1. Unity and Support: Clasping can symbolize unity and mutual support, as seen in the relationships between individuals who are bound together by faith, family, or covenant. The imagery of clasping hands or arms can represent the strength found in community and fellowship. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the strength of companionship: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion."

2. Covenantal Bonds: In the context of covenants, clasping can be seen as a physical representation of the binding agreement between parties. The covenant between Jonathan and David is an example of a deep bond, where their friendship and loyalty are akin to clasping one another in steadfast commitment (1 Samuel 18:3).

3. Spiritual Clasping: The act of holding fast to God's commandments and promises is a spiritual form of clasping. Believers are encouraged to "hold fast" to their faith and the teachings of Christ. Hebrews 10:23 exhorts, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."

4. Marriage and Family: The bond of marriage is another area where clasping is symbolically significant. Genesis 2:24 describes the union of husband and wife: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This union is a form of clasping, where two individuals are joined together in a lifelong commitment.

5. Physical Gestures: While not explicitly described as clasping, physical gestures such as embracing or holding hands are common in biblical narratives and convey affection, reconciliation, or blessing. The prodigal son's return in Luke 15:20 is marked by his father's embrace, symbolizing forgiveness and restoration.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical gestures like clasping were significant in expressing relationships and agreements. Clasping hands or arms could signify a treaty or alliance, much like a handshake in modern times. Such gestures were integral to the social and religious fabric of biblical societies, underscoring the importance of physical expressions in conveying deeper spiritual truths.

Theological Implications

The concept of clasping in the Bible extends beyond physical actions to encompass spiritual truths about God's relationship with His people. Believers are called to "clasp" onto God's promises, maintaining faith and trust in His unwavering support and guidance. This spiritual clasping is a testament to the enduring bond between the Creator and His creation, reflecting the covenantal love that God extends to humanity.

In summary, while the specific term "clasping" may not be prevalent in biblical texts, the underlying principles of unity, support, and covenantal bonds are deeply embedded in the narrative of Scripture, offering rich insights into the relational dynamics between God and His people, as well as among individuals within the biblical community.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Clasp.2264. chibbuq -- a clasping, folding (of the hands)
... 2263, 2264. chibbuq. 2265 . a clasping, folding (of the hands). Transliteration:
chibbuq Phonetic Spelling: (khib-book') Short Definition: folding. ...
/hebrew/2264.htm - 6k

8285. sherah -- a bracelet
... bracelet. From sharar in its original sense of pressing; a wrist-band (as compact
or clasping) -- bracelet. see HEBREW sharar. 8284, 8285. sherah. 8286 . ...
/hebrew/8285.htm - 6k

The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ
... Many a poor soul clasping a crucifix clings to the Cross. Many a devout heart kneeling
at mass sees through the incense-smoke the face of Christ. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the touch of faith and.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... of 200 poor old widows, 'for each to have a smell,' and then divided and given to
three dying Christians, one of whom breathed her last fondly clasping them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

Passion.
... A friend said to him, "Sir, you are more fit to go to bed than to preach." "True,
sir," replied Whitefield, and then, clasping his hands and looking up to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jackson/the message and the man/chapter vi passion.htm

Of St. Paul, and the Person whom He Urges the Corinthians to ...
... ashes, a compound of disgrace and horror, before the widows, before the elders,
suing for the tears of all, licking the footprints of all, clasping the knees ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter xiii of st paul and.htm

Imperial Caesar
... enough. I shall move when it pleases me.". He sat down by the fire, clasping
his hands back of his head, and half-closed his eyes. The ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

The Good Samaritan
... cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest." Among the crowd there are women;
the widow with veiled head, and tearful eyes; the mother clasping her dead ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xlviii the good samaritan.htm

Six Months' Record
... "And you want to be baptized.". The child's face glowed as she leaned eagerly toward
him, clasping her hands, but all she said was, "Yes, sir.". ...
/.../shaw/touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/six months record.htm

Elucidations.
... Regarding all pictures as idolatrous, he may intend to intimate that adultery
(=idolatry) was thus symbolized. II. (Clasping the knees of all, p.86.). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/elucidations.htm

In the Desert
... Kneeling on the chipped stone at the base of the statue, her face against
the drapings, her arms clasping its knees, was Rachel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... ships breaking up, the sails torn to tatters, the masts sprung, the oars dashed
out of the sailors' hands, the pilots seated on the deck, clasping their knees ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

Clasping (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Clasp. Multi-Version Concordance Clasping (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 6:10
A little sleep, a little slumber, A little clasping of the hands to rest, (YLT). ...
/c/clasping.htm - 7k

Clasps (7 Occurrences)

/c/clasps.htm - 10k

Grip (32 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A peculiar mode of clasping the hand, by which members of a secret
association recognize or greet, one another; as, a masonic grip. ...
/g/grip.htm - 16k

Grasp (20 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To seize and hold by clasping or embracing
with the fingers or arms; to catch to take possession of. ...
/g/grasp.htm - 13k

Clasped (1 Occurrence)

/c/clasped.htm - 6k

Strap (4 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A narrow strip of anything, as of iron or brass. 5. (n.) A band, plate,
or loop of metal for clasping and holding timbers or parts of a machine. ...
/s/strap.htm - 8k

Hug (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (vt) To keep close to; as, to hug the land; to hug the wind. 6. (n.) A close
embrace or clasping with the arms, as in affection or in wrestling. ...
/h/hug.htm - 7k

What is the right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2:9)? | GotQuestions.org

Clasping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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