Bible Dictionary
CLOTHES, RENDING OF
The rending of clothes was a customary expression of deep grief, calamity, or indignation among the Hebrews. Scripture records it at deaths, disasters, and perceived blasphemy, though the phrase can also refer simply to tearing a garment.
Definition
The rending of clothes means tearing a garment. It could be an ordinary accidental or deliberate tear, but it commonly served as an outward expression of grief, calamity, or indignation.
Biblical Usage
Biblical figures rent their clothes at deaths, disasters, the loss of the ark, and perceived wrongdoing. The high priest tore his garment when he judged Jesus’ words to be blasphemous.
Historical Background
Rending garments was a Hebrew mourning custom used upon the death of a relative or important person and during great calamity. The phrase can also refer simply to a garment being torn.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>klothz, (keri`ath beghadhim): This term is used to describe an ordinary tear made in a garment. Samuel's skirt was rent when Saul laid hold upon it (1Sa 15:27). Jesus spoke about a rent being made in a garment (Mt 9:16). The term is also used to describe a Hebrew custom which indicated deep sorrow. Upon the death of a relative or important personage, or when there was a great calamity, it was customary for the Hebrews to tear their garments. Reuben rent his clothes when he found that Joseph had been taken from the pit (Ge 37:29). The sons of Jacob rent their clothes when the cup was found in Benjamin's sack (Ge 44:13). A messenger came to Eli with his clothes rent to tell of the taking of the ark of God and of the death of his two sons (1Sa 4:12). David rent his garments when he heard that Absalom had slain his brothers (2Sa 13:31). See also 2Sa 15:32; 2Ki 18:37; Isa 36:22; Jer 41:5. Rending of clothes was also an expression of indignation. The high priest rent his garment when Jesus spoke what he thought was blasphemy (Mt 26:65).</p><p>See also MOURNING.</p><p>A. W. Fortune</p>