The term "gnashed" is often associated with expressions of intense emotion, particularly anger, pain, or despair. In the biblical context, it frequently appears in descriptions of judgment and suffering, both in the present life and in eschatological scenarios. The act of gnashing one's teeth is a vivid metaphor that conveys deep anguish or rage.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, gnashing of teeth is depicted as a reaction of the wicked or as a response to the righteous. For instance, in Psalm 37:12 , it is written, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them." Here, gnashing is an expression of hostility and malice from the wicked towards those who follow God's ways. Similarly, in Lamentations 2:16 , the enemies of Jerusalem are described: "All your enemies open their mouths against you; they hiss and gnash their teeth." This illustrates the contempt and derision of those who oppose God's people.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the imagery of gnashing teeth is often associated with the final judgment and the fate of the unrighteous. Jesus uses this expression in several parables to describe the anguish of those who are cast out from God's presence. In Matthew 8:12 , Jesus warns, "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This phrase is repeated in other passages such as Matthew 13:42 and Matthew 22:13, emphasizing the severe regret and torment experienced by those who reject the kingdom of God.

The Book of Acts also provides an instance of gnashing teeth in a moment of intense anger. In Acts 7:54 , as Stephen delivers his speech before the Sanhedrin, it is recorded, "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him." This reaction underscores the violent opposition and rage of those who resist the truth of the Gospel.

Theological Implications

The recurring theme of gnashing teeth in Scripture serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It highlights the reality of divine judgment and the profound sorrow and anger that accompany separation from God. For believers, these passages serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the urgency of proclaiming the Gospel to a world in need of redemption.

In summary, the biblical use of "gnashed" paints a stark picture of human emotion in response to divine truth and judgment. It calls readers to reflect on their own spiritual state and the eternal significance of their relationship with God.(imp. & p. p.) of Gnash.2786. charaq -- to gnash or grind
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to gnash or grind NASB Word Usage gnash (2),
gnashed (2), gnashes (1). gnash. A primitive root; to grate the teeth -- gnash. ...
/hebrew/2786.htm - 5k

The Martyrdom of Stephen.
... "When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed upon
him with their teeth." The word rendered, "to cut," has been chosen to express ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ix the martyrdom of.htm

The Eighth Book
... when they said to him: "Thou art a Samaritan and hast a devil," [426] when they
mocked and cursed him, when they breathed into his face and gnashed their teeth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the eighth book.htm

The Tangled Web
... Those upon the wall knew him and though they were obliged to respect the banner
under which he approached, they gnashed their teeth and greeted him with ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvii the tangled web.htm

The Martyr Adalbert in Prussia.
... believing in his name, ye may receive everlasting life, and be made partakers, in
an imperishable existence, of heavenly joy." The heathens gnashed their teeth ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/the martyr adalbert in prussia.htm

The Story of Stephen, the First Martyr
... One!". As they heard these things, they became so angry against Stephen,
that they gnashed on him with their teeth, like wild beasts. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of stephen the.htm

On Reading this Epistle, Marcellus, with the Kindest Consideration ...
... Archelaus, on the other hand, did not receive very pleasantly the matters which
were read, but "gnashed [1479] with his teeth like a chained lion," impatient ...
/.../6 on reading this epistle.htm

And one Nicodemus, a Jew, Stood Before the Procurator...
... Has the emperor not appointed him to this place of dignity? And the Jews were
vehemently enraged, and gnashed their teeth against Nicodemus. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 5 and one nicodemus.htm

Acts vii. 54
... Homily XVIII. Acts VII. 54. Acts VII.54 "When they heard these things, they were
cut to "the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.". ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii acts vii 54.htm

Exposition of the Parable.
... wail and, as it were, be angry against themselves; for this is the "gnashing of
teeth." [5168] Wherefore, also, in the Psalms it is said, "They gnashed upon me ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/2 exposition of the parable.htm

Stephen the First Christian Martyr
... and have not kept it!". When they heard these words, they were furious and
gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, filled with the ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/stephen the first christian martyr.htm

Gnashed (3 Occurrences)
...Gnashed (3 Occurrences). Acts 7:54 Now when they heard these things, they were
cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. ...
/g/gnashed.htm - 7k

Gnash (12 Occurrences)
... for the most part rage, anger, hatred (Job 16:9, "He gnasheth upon me with his teeth,"
the Revised Version (British and American) "hath gnashed upon me"; Psalm ...
/g/gnash.htm - 12k

Teeth (50 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:54 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they
gnashed at him with their teeth. ... He has gnashed on me with his teeth. ...
/t/teeth.htm - 25k

Gnashes (4 Occurrences)
... (DBY NIV). Job 16:9 He hath torn me in His wrath, and hated me; He hath gnashed
upon me with His teeth; mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me. (See NIV). ...
/g/gnashes.htm - 7k

Quick (49 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Acts 7:54 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the
heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. (See NAS). ...
/q/quick.htm - 24k

Opponent (13 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Job 16:9 He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed
on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me. (See NIV). ...
/o/opponent.htm - 10k

Jesters (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jesters (1 Occurrence). Psalms 35:16 With profane jesters
for bread, they have gnashed their teeth against me. (DBY NAS). ...
/j/jesters.htm - 6k

Listened (120 Occurrences)
... dismissed them. (DBY). Acts 7:54 As they listened to these words, they became
infuriated and gnashed their teeth at him. (WEY). Acts ...
/l/listened.htm - 36k

Glares (1 Occurrence)
... Glares (1 Occurrence). Job 16:9 He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me.
He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me. ...
/g/glares.htm - 6k

Impiously (2 Occurrences)
... sinners have spoken against him. (WBS YLT). Psalms 35:16 Like the profane mockers
in feasts, they gnashed their teeth at me. (See RSV). ...
/i/impiously.htm - 6k

What does the Bible mean when it refers to the gnashing of teeth? | GotQuestions.org

Gnashed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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