The Bible does not prohibit raising or clapping hands, but it also does not prescribe exactly how we are to worship except that it should be done sincerely and unto the Lord. Raising or clapping hands during worship can be worshipful, or it can just be for show.
The Bible presents different ways that God’s children praise Him, including through outward signs, such as the raising and clapping of hands. Raising hands as part of worship is evident in Old Testament books, such as when Ezra led the people of Jerusalem in worship (Nehemiah 8:6). Several Psalms include the lifting up of hands as part of venerating the Lord (Psalm 28:2; 63:4). Although not mentioned as frequently in the New Testament, 1 Timothy 2:8 suggests that raising hands during worship could have been part of the early Christian services. Clapping may have also been a part of praising the Lord in the Bible, as Psalm 47:1 shows. Even though only certain passages mention the specific acts of raising and clapping hands, the overall point communicated throughout Scripture is believers’ exuberance during worship—which might include lifting hands, clapping, and also dancing, playing instruments, and loud singing ( 2 Samuel 6:14–15; Psalm 100:1–2; 149:3; Matthew 21:8–9). But such outward signs are commendable only if they reveal the true joy of the Lord in one’s heart, not if they’re done to impress other people (Luke 18:9–14; John 4:23). The Bible teaches that the Lord reads the heart and knows who loves Him (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; 1 Samuel 16:7; Mark 12:28–31; John 4; Acts 15:8). Scripture shows that God accepts our praise with raised and clapping hands, but also with a quiet inner feeling of love for Him (Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Kings 8:39). No matter which cultural tradition someone grew up in, worship of the Lord is with the heart. Believers in every time and place must worship the Lord in “spirit and truth” (John 4:23).
“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!” Remember that from primary school? That song taught kids that our feelings often show in our actions. This is also true within Christian worship services, where we might see some believers raising and clapping their hands. Their joy in the Lord simply cannot be contained at times. But not all believers worship this way. Have you ever wondered if you are somehow less joyful in the Lord because you don’t raise your hands or clap during worship? If so, there’s no need to worry. Unlike us, the Lord reads hearts, so He knows those who love Him—even without the raised hands. Besides, different cultural traditions can manifest worship in various ways. The Old Testament presents more examples than the New Testament of people worshiping through raised hands, clapping, dancing, etc. Could this suggest that such actions were more a part of ancient Israelite worship services than later early Christian services? Maybe. But no matter which cultural tradition someone grew up in, worship of the Lord is within the heart. Believers in every time and place must worship the Lord “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23).