### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭᵉrêphâh**, represented by `{{H2966}}`, refers to that which is **torn**, specifically prey or an animal devoured or torn by a predator. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. The term denotes something violently killed, making it distinct from an animal that dies of natural causes or is properly slaughtered.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law and narrative, `{{H2966}}` is used in specific legal and ceremonial contexts. In matters of shepherding, it refers to an animal killed by a predator, for which a shepherd could be held accountable unless evidence was brought forth ([[Genesis 31:39]], [[Exodus 22:13]]). More frequently, it appears in dietary laws prohibiting the consumption of flesh from an animal **torn of beasts** ([[Exodus 22:31]], [[Leviticus 22:8]]). Eating such meat would render a person ceremonially unclean [[Leviticus 17:15]]. The term is also used metaphorically to describe the "ravin" or violent spoil gathered by a lion [[Nahum 2:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and application of **ṭᵉrêphâh**:
* `{{H2963}}` **ṭâraph** (to pluck off or pull to pieces): This is the primitive root verb from which `{{H2966}}` is derived. It describes the action of a predator tearing its prey [[Nahum 2:12]].
* `{{H5038}}` **nᵉbêlâh** (a carcase or carrion): This term for an animal that has died of itself is frequently paired with `{{H2966}}`, as both are forbidden for consumption ([[Leviticus 7:24]], [[Ezekiel 44:31]]).
* `{{H2930}}` **ṭâmêʼ** (to be foul, contaminated): This word describes the state of uncleanness or defilement that results from eating what is torn ([[Leviticus 17:15]], [[Leviticus 22:8]]).
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat): This verb is central to the prohibitions surrounding `{{H2966}}`, as the primary command is not to **eat** the flesh of a torn animal [[Ezekiel 44:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2966}}` is centered on the concepts of holiness and purity.
* **Ceremonial Defilement:** Consuming what is **torn** is explicitly stated to cause defilement and make one unclean ([[Leviticus 17:15]], [[Leviticus 22:8]]). In his vision, Ezekiel expresses that he has never been polluted by eating anything **torn in pieces** [[Ezekiel 4:14]].
* **The Call to Holiness:** The prohibition is directly linked to Israel's identity as a holy people. They are to be "holy men" to God, and therefore must not eat such flesh, but instead "cast it to the dogs" [[Exodus 22:31]].
* **Distinction from the Profane:** The laws regarding `{{H2966}}` create a sharp distinction between what is acceptable for God's people and what is not. This is reinforced in Ezekiel's refusal to eat **torn in pieces** or "abominable flesh" `{{H6292}}`, upholding his consecrated status [[Ezekiel 4:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2966}}` is more than a simple description of a killed animal. It is a key term in Old Testament law that defines a source of ceremonial uncleanness. Its use in legal statutes regarding liability and in dietary laws concerning holiness helps to establish a clear boundary between the pure and the defiled, the sacred and the profane, and the practices of God's people versus the ways of the world.
TRV