סָפַק
to clap the hands (in token of compact, derision, grief, indignation, or punishment); by implication of satisfaction
Definition
The Hebrew verb סָפַק (sâphaq) primarily means 'to clap' or 'to strike,' most often referring to the physical act of clapping the hands. This action carries a wide range of emotional and symbolic meanings in the Bible. It can express derision or scorn (Job 27:23; Job 34:37), overwhelming grief (Jeremiah 31:19), or indignation (Numbers 24:10). In a distinct but related sense, it also means 'to be enough' or 'to suffice' (1 Kings 20:10), and in one extreme case, this sense of 'excess' extends to the meaning 'to vomit' (Job 20:15).
Biblical Usage
סָפַק is used 10 times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, prophetic, and poetic books. Its usage for clapping the hands is most common, depicting strong human reactions: Balaam claps in anger (Numbers 24:10), Job describes God clapping in derision at the wicked (Job 27:23; 34:37), and Jeremiah portrays Ephraim clapping his thigh in remorse (Jeremiah 31:19). The meaning 'to suffice' appears in the taunt of Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:10). The verb is also used in prophetic judgment, as seen in Isaiah 2:6 and Jeremiah 48:26.
Etymology
סָפַק is a primitive root. A byform, שָׂפַק (śāphaq), appears in 1 Kings 20:10, Job 27:23, and Isaiah 2:6. The core meaning relates to striking or slapping, which naturally extends to clapping the hands. From the idea of a measured 'strike' or an amount that 'strikes' a limit, the senses of 'to be sufficient' and, by extension of excess, 'to vomit' developed.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays God's emotional response to human rebellion and righteousness. When God is described as clapping (Job 27:23; 34:37), it is a powerful anthropomorphism expressing divine derision and judgment against the wicked. Conversely, human clapping in grief (Jeremiah 31:19) illustrates profound repentance. Understanding these physical gestures enriches our reading of biblical poetry and prophecy, moving abstract concepts of judgment and remorse into the realm of visceral, human experience.
In the ancient Near East, clapping hands was a potent non-verbal gesture with agreed-upon meanings, much like it is today, but with specific covenantal and ritual significance. Clapping could seal an agreement (a 'compact'), express extreme contempt (often as part of a mocking ritual), or manifest overwhelming grief—actions more culturally formalized than in many modern contexts. The link between clapping/striking and sufficiency may relate to the tangible finality of a handshake or slap sealing a deal.
מָחָא (māḥāʾ, H4222) — also means to clap, but often more generally for striking or thrusting; used for clapping in joy or triumph (Psalm 98:8). תָּקַע (tāqaʿ, H8628) — means to blow (a trumpet) or clap; can imply a sharper, more percussive sound or action. נָכָה (nākâ, H5221) — a very common verb meaning to strike, smite, or beat, typically in contexts of violence or punishment, without the specific symbolic gesture of clapping hands.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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