Definition and Cultural Context:
Slapping, in biblical terms, refers to the act of striking someone with an open hand. This action is often seen as an insult or a form of humiliation rather than a means of causing physical harm. In the cultural context of the Bible, a slap was considered a significant affront to one's honor and dignity.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament Context:
While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention slapping as a common practice, the concept of striking or hitting someone is addressed in various laws and narratives. For example, the law of retaliation, or "lex talionis," found in Exodus 21:24, "eye for eye, tooth for tooth," suggests a principle of measured retribution, which could extend to slapping as a form of insult.

2. New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament provides more direct references to slapping, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of retaliation and personal insult. Matthew 5:39 states, "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." This teaching emphasizes the importance of non-retaliation and the call to respond to personal affronts with grace and humility.

3. Jesus' Own Experience:
Jesus Himself experienced slapping during His trial. In John 18:22 , it is recorded, "When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, 'Is this how You answer the high priest?'" This incident highlights the use of slapping as a means of disrespect and an attempt to undermine Jesus' authority and dignity.

4. Apostolic Example:
The Apostle Paul also encountered slapping as a form of insult. In Acts 23:2-3 , during his trial before the Sanhedrin, "the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth." Paul's response, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!" indicates the severity of the insult and the tension between maintaining personal dignity and adhering to Christian principles of non-retaliation.

Theological Implications:
Slapping, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a metaphor for the broader Christian teaching on handling personal offenses. The call to "turn the other cheek" is not merely about enduring physical assault but is a profound statement on the nature of Christian love and forgiveness. It challenges believers to rise above the natural inclination for revenge and to embody the spirit of Christ, who endured insults and suffering without retaliation.

Practical Application:
In contemporary Christian life, the principle of responding to slapping or any form of insult with grace remains relevant. Believers are encouraged to follow Christ's example, demonstrating love and forgiveness even in the face of personal affronts. This teaching calls for a radical departure from the world's standards of justice and honor, inviting Christians to reflect the character of Christ in all interactions.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Slap.

2. (a.) Very large; monstrous; big.

Breaking with God.
... worthless. You see sin is slapping God in the face. It may be polished, cultured
sin. Sin seems capable of taking quite a high polish. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/breaking with god.htm

"A Fine, Generous Fellow. "
... Isn't that it, my friend?" said I, slapping him on the shoulder. He looked half
convinced, and a little sheepish, to use an expressive Saxonism. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/a fine generous fellow.htm

The Boy Hugh
... The authorities differ considerably, and it is impossible to clap a date to some
of the saint's way-marks without first slapping in the face some venerable ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter i the boy hugh.htm

Slapping (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Slapping (1 Occurrence). John 19:3 They kept saying,
"Hail, King of the Jews!" and they kept slapping him. (WEB). ...
/s/slapping.htm - 6k

Slaps (4 Occurrences)

/s/slaps.htm - 7k

Slapped (5 Occurrences)

/s/slapped.htm - 7k

Hail (42 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). John 19:3 They kept saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
and they kept slapping him. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/hail.htm - 25k

Jews (287 Occurrences)
... John 19:3 They kept saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and they kept slapping
him. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/jews.htm - 36k

Kept (891 Occurrences)
... KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV). John 19:3 They kept saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
and they kept slapping him. (WEB BBE). John 19:12 Upon ...
/k/kept.htm - 33k

Slapping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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