Bible Dictionary
Tooth
Teeth are mentioned in Scripture in connection with justice, suffering, anger, famine, and judgment. “Gnashing of teeth” expresses rage or despair, while “cleanness of teeth” describes famine.
Definition
The tooth is used literally and figuratively in biblical language. It may refer to bodily injury, anger, despair, famine, or the consequences of sin and judgment.
Biblical Usage
“An eye for an eye” and “tooth for tooth” expresses retaliatory justice. Gnashing of teeth signifies rage or despair; “cleanness of teeth” represents famine; and children’s teeth being set on edge depicts children suffering for their fathers’ sins.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
One of the particulars regarding which retaliatory punishment was to be inflicted (Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21). “Gnashing of teeth” =rage, despair (Matt. 8:12; Acts 7:54); “cleanness of teeth” =famine (Amos 4:6); “children’s teeth set on edge” =children suffering for the sins of their fathers (Ezek. 18:2).