Rending

Passages on this topic

From Nave’s Topical Bible (1896), a historical reference index. The groupings are Nave’s; the verses are shown in the text used across this site.

(Ripping, tearing))

Of garments, an outward sign of affliction

• Genesis 37:29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,
• Genesis 37:34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
• Genesis 44:13 Then they all tore their clothes, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city.
• Numbers 14:6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes
• Judges 11:35 As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.”
• 2 Samuel 1:2 On the third day a man with torn clothes and dust on his head arrived from Saul’s camp. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him homage.
• 2 Samuel 1:11 Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same.
• 2 Samuel 3:31 Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.
• 2 Samuel 13:19 And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her robe. And putting her hand on her head, she went away crying aloud.
• 2 Samuel 13:31 Then the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. And all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.

Figurative

• Joel 2:13 So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

Symbol of the dissolution of a kingdom

• 1 Samuel 15:27–28 As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.