The term "teareth" is an archaic English word found in the King James Version of the Bible, often used to describe the act of tearing or rending. In the context of Scripture, it typically refers to physical tearing or destruction, as well as metaphorical expressions of grief or divine judgment.

Biblical Usage:

1. Physical Tearing:
· In the Old Testament, "teareth" is used to describe the physical act of tearing apart. For example, in the context of wild animals, it is used to depict the ferocity and destructiveness of beasts. In Genesis 37:33, Jacob, upon seeing Joseph's bloodied coat, laments, "It is my son’s tunic. A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces." This usage underscores the violent nature of the act.

2. Expression of Grief:
· Tearing one's garments was a common expression of mourning and distress in ancient Israelite culture. This act symbolized deep sorrow or repentance. In 2 Samuel 13:31, King David "tore his garments and lay on the ground" upon hearing of the death of his son Amnon. This act of tearing is a physical manifestation of inner turmoil and grief.

3. Divine Judgment:
· The prophets often used the imagery of tearing to convey God's impending judgment on Israel or other nations. In Hosea 13:8, God declares, "Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them open." This vivid imagery serves to communicate the severity and inevitability of divine retribution against sin and disobedience.

Theological Implications:

The act of tearing, whether literal or metaphorical, carries significant theological weight in the biblical narrative. It often signifies a profound emotional response, whether it be human grief or divine wrath. The tearing of garments as a sign of repentance or mourning reflects a heart contrite before God, acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness. Conversely, the tearing associated with divine judgment serves as a sobering reminder of God's holiness and the serious consequences of turning away from His commandments.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, tearing one's clothes was a customary response to tragedy or loss. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, where individuals express their sorrow or repentance through this symbolic act. It was a public demonstration of one's inner state, often accompanied by other signs of mourning such as wearing sackcloth or sitting in ashes.

Related Concepts:

· Rending of the Veil: In the New Testament, the tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to the Father through Jesus Christ.
· Repentance and Renewal: The act of tearing, when associated with repentance, points to the transformative power of turning back to God. It is a call to rend not just garments, but hearts, as seen in Joel 2:13: "Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate."

In summary, "teareth" in the biblical context is a multifaceted term that conveys destruction, grief, and divine judgment, while also pointing towards repentance and the hope of restoration.

Strong Son of God
... one of the multitude answered and said, "Master, I have brought unto thee my son,
which hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever he taketh him he teareth him: and ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter ix strong son of.htm

Jesus Healeth a Lunatic
... And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that
he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/jesus healeth a lunatic.htm

Ministry
... "Master," he said, "I have brought unto Thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
and wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: . . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 47 ministry.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Sin.
... people, as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks
of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/7 the millennium in relation.htm

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... only child.39 and behold a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; ^b 18
and wheresoever it taketh him, it dasheth him down: ^c and it teareth him that ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods 5.htm

Heavenly Worship
... and, lo, a Lamb." Now, you know Jesus, in Scripture, is often represented as a lion:
he is so to his enemies, for he devoureth them, and teareth them to pieces ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly worship.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 9, Where the Miracle of the ...
... The good things shall come which shall not pass away; by labours we arrive at them.
But when we have arrived, no one teareth us away from them. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxx on the words.htm

D. The Fourth Period. Ch. 9:1-50
... Teacher, I beseech thee to look upon my son; for he is mine only child: 39 and behold,
a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/d the fourth period ch.htm

Psalm LXVII.
... Nowise therefore is he joyful; nowise exulting: before he confesseth the claw teareth
[2667] him; when he hath confessed, the executioner leadeth him along a ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvii.htm

The Four Gospels.
... Luke the ox's semmblance weareth,. Since his Gospel first declareth,. As he thence
the Law's veil teareth,. Sacrifice' aim and end. Marcus, lleo per desertum. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 78 the four gospels.htm

Teareth (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Teareth (6 Occurrences). ... a wolf teareth; In the morning
he eateth prey, And at evening he apportioneth spoil.' (YLT). ...
/t/teareth.htm - 8k

Tearing (11 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said: Blessed be He that enlargeth Gad; he dwelleth
as a lioness, and teareth the arm, yea, the crown of the head. (See NIV). ...
/t/tearing.htm - 9k

Gnasheth (4 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth
with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they ...
/g/gnasheth.htm - 7k

Foameth (3 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth
with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they ...
/f/foameth.htm - 7k

Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth
with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they ...
/t/taketh.htm - 35k

Gad's (3 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:20 And of Gad he said: Blessed be He that enlargeth Gad; he dwelleth
as a lioness, and teareth the arm, yea, the crown of the head. (See NIV). ...
/g/gad's.htm - 7k

Gad (78 Occurrences)
... In the blessing of Moses again (Deuteronomy 33:20) it is said that Gad "dwelleth
as lioness, and teareth the arm, yea, the crown of the head." Leonine ...
/g/gad.htm - 49k

Wheresoever (17 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth
with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they ...
/w/wheresoever.htm - 11k

Tearest (1 Occurrence)

/t/tearest.htm - 6k

Tear (97 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth
with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they ...
/t/tear.htm - 37k

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