מָחָא (ma.ach)
ma.ach
to clap
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ma.ach describes the physical act of striking or clapping hands, appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible. In both instances, it is used metaphorically to express intense emotion rather than literal violence. The sources indicate that the Qal stem typically conveys joy, while the Piel stem expresses exultation, often directed toward an enemy.
This rare word captures a moment of sudden, vocalless celebration. It appears in Psalm 47:1 and Isaiah 55:12, where nature itself seems to join the chorus. In these contexts, the clapping is not a human gesture but a personified response of creation rejoicing before God or over the defeat of foes.
The term highlights how physical actions can embody spiritual realities in Scripture. By using a simple bodily motion to describe divine joy, the text bridges the gap between human experience and heavenly celebration. This usage reminds readers that praise is not merely internal but can be expressed through the whole person and even creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word maach describes the simple, physical act of clapping hands. In Scripture, this gesture is rarely just about noise; it is a bodily expression of deep emotion. When we clap, we are not merely making sound but engaging our whole selves in praise or celebration. It reminds us that worship involves more than thoughts; it uses our bodies to reflect what is happening in our hearts.
What makes this word special is its use in nature. In passages like Psalm 98 and Isaiah 55, the text says rivers clap and trees clap their hands. This personification shows that all of creation joins in celebrating God’s work. It suggests that joy is not just a human feeling but something that resonates through the world we live in.
For your daily life, this offers a gentle invitation to notice the physical side of praise. You do not need complex words or perfect theology to celebrate. Sometimes, a simple gesture of gratitude—a clap, a song, or even silence—can express what you feel. It is okay to let your body join your spirit in acknowledging God’s goodness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will clap1×
- let them clap1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִמְחֲאוּ\־2×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 98:8
Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together.
This verse uses the clapping gesture to show that even natural elements like rivers actively participate in praising God, expanding the scope of worship beyond humanity.
-
Isaiah 55:12
For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace. The mountains and the hills will break out before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands.
Here, trees clapping their hands accompanies the promise of peace and joy for God’s people, linking physical celebration with divine restoration.