Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "tore" is not directly found in the Bible as a standalone word. However, it is often associated with the past tense of "tear," which is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. The act of tearing can symbolize grief, repentance, or divine judgment. The Hebrew word often translated as "tear" is "qara," and in Greek, it is "schizo." Biblical Context and Usage: In the Bible, tearing one's garments is a significant act, often associated with mourning, repentance, or distress. This act is seen throughout the Old and New Testaments as a physical manifestation of an inner emotional or spiritual state. 1. Mourning and Grief: Tearing garments was a common expression of mourning in ancient Israel. For instance, when Jacob believed that his son Joseph had been killed, he tore his clothes in sorrow (Genesis 37:34: "Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days."). This act signified the depth of his grief and loss. 2. Repentance and Humility: The tearing of clothes also symbolized repentance and humility before God. In the book of Joel, the prophet calls the people to repentance, urging them to "rend your hearts and not your garments" (Joel 2:13: "So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God."). This emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance over mere outward expressions. 3. Divine Judgment and Anger: The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death is a profound symbol of divine action. In Matthew 27:51 (BSB: "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split."), the tearing of the veil signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through Christ. 4. Prophetic Actions: Prophets sometimes tore their garments as a sign of impending judgment or disaster. In 1 Kings 11:30-31, the prophet Ahijah tore his new cloak into twelve pieces to symbolize the division of Solomon's kingdom (BSB: "And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, and said to Jeroboam, 'Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: "Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes."'). Theological Significance: The act of tearing, whether garments or other objects, carries deep theological significance in the biblical narrative. It serves as a powerful symbol of human emotion, divine intervention, and the transformative power of repentance. The tearing of the temple veil, in particular, marks a pivotal moment in Christian theology, symbolizing the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Cultural and Historical Insights: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, tearing one's garments was a customary expression of intense emotion. This practice is well-documented in biblical accounts and other historical records, highlighting its significance as a cultural norm in expressing grief, repentance, or protest. Related Concepts: · Sackcloth and Ashes: Often associated with the tearing of garments, wearing sackcloth and ashes was another expression of mourning and repentance. · Veil of the Temple: The tearing of the temple veil is a key event in the New Testament, symbolizing the new access to God through Christ. · Prophetic Symbolism: Prophets used physical actions, such as tearing garments, to convey divine messages and warnings. References in Scripture: · Genesis 37:34 · Joel 2:13 · Matthew 27:51 · 1 Kings 11:30-31 The act of tearing, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a multifaceted symbol reflecting the human condition and divine interaction throughout the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (imp.) of Tear.2. (v.) imp. of Tear. 3. (n.) The dead grass that remains on mowing land in winter and spring. 4. (n.) Same as Torus. 5. (n.) The surface described by the circumference of a circle revolving about a straight line in its own plane. 6. (n.) The solid enclosed by such a surface; -- sometimes called an anchor ring. Greek 4489. rhetor -- a public speaker ... a public speaker. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: rhetor Phonetic Spelling: (hray'-tore) Short Definition: an orator Definition: an orator ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4489.htm - 6k 2935. ktetor -- a possessor 282. ametor -- without a mother 4048. periregnumi -- to tear off all around 1284. diarresso -- to tear asunder 220. alektor -- a rooster Strong's Hebrew 7167. qara -- to tear... 7166, 7167. qara. 7168 . to tear. Transliteration: qara Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-rah') Short Definition: tore. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7167.htm - 6k 3730. kaphtor -- capital, knob, bulb 8449. tor -- turtledove 8447. tor -- a plait, turn 3731. Kaphtor -- probably a name for Crete 7008. qitor -- thick smoke 8450. tor -- a bullock 2963. taraph -- to tear, rend, pluck 7665. shabar -- to break, break in pieces 5423. nathaq -- to pull, draw, or tear away, apart, or off Library The Scourging of Jesus. Moreover, --To Touch Briefly Some of the More Recondite Topics ... The Riot Other Graces Bestowed on the Saint. The Promises of Our Lord to ... The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross. Then in this Great Contention of My Inward Dwelling... Introduction. The Story of Job The Young Josiah and the Book of the Law The Despair of Judas Thesaurus Tore (59 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Tore (59 Occurrences). Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! ... /t/tore.htm - 25k Sackcloth (47 Occurrences) Clothes (208 Occurrences) Witnesses (69 Occurrences) Robes (124 Occurrences) Treason (6 Occurrences) Torn (100 Occurrences) Ahijah (23 Occurrences) Rejoiced (83 Occurrences) Wearing (43 Occurrences) Resources What did it mean to tear one's clothes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Job repented in dust and ashes? | GotQuestions.org Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Tore: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tore (59 Occurrences)Matthew 26:65 Mark 5:4 Mark 9:20 Mark 14:63 Luke 9:42 Acts 14:14 Acts 16:22 Galatians 2:18 Genesis 37:29 Genesis 37:34 Genesis 44:13 Exodus 32:3 Numbers 14:6 Joshua 7:6 Judges 8:17 Judges 11:35 Judges 14:6 Judges 16:3 1 Samuel 15:27 2 Samuel 1:11 2 Samuel 13:19 2 Samuel 13:31 1 Kings 11:30 1 Kings 14:8 1 Kings 19:11 1 Kings 21:27 2 Kings 2:12 2 Kings 2:24 2 Kings 5:7 2 Kings 6:30 2 Kings 10:27 2 Kings 11:14 2 Kings 11:18 2 Kings 14:13 2 Kings 17:21 2 Kings 19:1 2 Kings 22:11 2 Kings 22:19 2 Chronicles 14:3 2 Chronicles 23:13 2 Chronicles 23:17 2 Chronicles 25:23 2 Chronicles 34:4 2 Chronicles 34:7 2 Chronicles 34:19 2 Chronicles 34:27 Ezra 9:3 Esther 4:1 Job 1:20 Job 2:12 Psalms 35:15 Isaiah 22:10 Isaiah 37:1 Jeremiah 2:20 Jeremiah 36:24 Lamentations 3:11 Ezekiel 29:7 Amos 1:11 Nahum 2:12 Subtopics Related Terms |