Lexical Summary terephah: Prey, torn flesh, that which is torn Original Word: טְרֵפָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prey, Flocks devoured by animalsFeminine (collectively) of tereph; prey, i.e. Flocks devoured by animals -- ravin, (that which was) torn (of beasts, in pieces). see HEBREW tereph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of tereph Definition torn animal, torn flesh NASB Translation animal torn (1), torn (4), torn by beasts (1), torn to pieces (1), torn flesh (1), what has been torn (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs טְרֵפָה noun feminine animal torn (by wild beasts); torn flesh; — absolute ׳ט Genesis 31:39 8t. 1 animal torn (by wild beasts), of sheep and goats Genesis 31:39 (E); ox, ass or sheep Exodus 22:12 (J E; strike out WeKlPr on Amos 3:12, as gloss from Genesis 31:39); indefinite Genesis 31:31 (J E; forbidden as food); commonly with נְבֵלָה (i.e. what dies naturally) as forbidden food, Leviticus 7:24 (P), Leviticus 17:15; Leviticus 22:8 (both H), Ezekiel 4:14; Ezekiel 44:31; torn flesh, in metaphor of Nineveh's king as lion Nahum 2:13 ("" טֶ֫רֶ ף). Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range The term denotes meat or carcasses that have been violently torn or mauled, most often by wild beasts. By extension it can describe prey seized by predators or, figuratively, a ravaged victim of violence. The word is neither neutral nor ceremonially clean; it invariably conveys loss, defilement, and danger, whether in pastoral life, Israel’s legal code, or prophetic imagery. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts • Genesis 31:39 records Jacob’s integrity as a shepherd: “I did not bring you the animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself.” The usage highlights financial loss and personal responsibility. Legal and Ritual Implications 1. Policing holiness: By banning the eating of mauled carcasses, the Law separated Israel from surrounding nations that practiced indiscriminate consumption. Theological Themes • Holiness versus corruption: Torn flesh is a vivid emblem of the fallen world’s violence and decay, underscoring the need for separation unto God. Prophetic and Poetic Usage Nahum uses the term to portray Nineveh’s rapacious appetite. The word moves beyond literal carrion to paint moral indictment: what Assyria does to nations is what a beast does to prey. By invoking imagery familiar from Israel’s dietary prohibitions, the prophet brands Nineveh as unclean and doomed. Typological and Christological Insights The shepherd who shoulders the cost of torn sheep (Genesis 31:39) foreshadows the Messiah who lays down His life for the flock. The repeated admonition to reject defiled flesh accentuates the sinless perfection of Christ, “a Lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19), whose body would not see decay (Psalm 16:10). Pastoral and Practical Application • Spiritual oversight: Like Jacob, church leaders guard the flock and assume sacrificial responsibility rather than blaming the sheep. Summary Strong’s 2966 depicts more than a carcass; it confronts readers with the realities of loss, uncleanness, and predatory violence. From patriarchal shepherd fields to prophetic denunciations, the term presses God’s people toward holiness, justice, and shepherd-like care—ultimately directing hearts to the flawless Shepherd who redeems what sin has torn. Forms and Transliterations הַטְּרֵפָ֖ה הטרפה וּטְרֵפָ֔ה וּטְרֵפָ֛ה וּטְרֵפָ֤ה וטרפה טְרֵפָ֔ה טְרֵפָֽה׃ טְרֵפָה֙ טרפה טרפה׃ haṭ·ṭə·rê·p̄āh hattereFah haṭṭərêp̄āh ṭə·rê·p̄āh tereFah ṭərêp̄āh ū·ṭə·rê·p̄āh utereFah ūṭərêp̄āhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 31:39 HEB: טְרֵפָה֙ לֹא־ הֵבֵ֣אתִי NAS: That which was torn [of beasts] I did not bring KJV: That which was torn [of beasts] I brought INT: was torn did not bring Exodus 22:13 Exodus 22:31 Leviticus 7:24 Leviticus 17:15 Leviticus 22:8 Ezekiel 4:14 Ezekiel 44:31 Nahum 2:12 9 Occurrences |
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