### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qâraʻ**, represented by `{{H7167}}`, is a primitive root that means **to rend, literally or figuratively**. It appears **64 times** across **60 unique verses**, often describing a powerful act of tearing or cutting. Its meaning can extend from the literal tearing of garments to the figurative rending of kingdoms or even the heavens.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7167}}` is most frequently used to describe the act of tearing one's clothes as an expression of profound grief, mourning, or distress. When Jacob believed his son was dead, he **rent** his clothes [[Genesis 37:34]]. Similarly, King Hezekiah **rent** his clothes upon hearing the blasphemous words of Rabshakeh [[2 Kings 19:1]]. The term is also used figuratively to depict divine judgment, as when the LORD declared He would **rend** the kingdom from Solomon [[1 Kings 11:11]]. In a powerful spiritual appeal, the prophet Joel urges the people to **rend** their hearts and not their garments, shifting the focus from an external ritual to an internal state of repentance [[Joel 2:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the act of rending:
* `{{H899}}` **beged** (a covering, i.e. clothing): This is the most common object associated with `{{H7167}}`, as the tearing of **garments** was a conventional sign of mourning or despair [[Esther 4:1]].
* `{{H1234}}` **bâqaʻ** (to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open): This word describes a similar violent action of tearing apart. It is used alongside `{{H7167}}` in Hosea's prophecy, where God is depicted as a bear that will **rend** the heart and a wild beast that will **tear** them [[Hosea 13:8]].
* `{{H8609}}` **tâphar** (to sew): This word serves as the direct antonym to `{{H7167}}`. Ecclesiastes presents a balanced view of life's seasons, noting there is "a time to **rend**, and a time to **sew**" [[Ecclesiastes 3:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7167}}` is tied to its depiction of human emotion and divine action.
* **Expression of Grief and Humility:** Rending garments was a visceral, outward sign of an inner state of anguish or repentance. When confronted with sin or blasphemy, righteous figures like Joshua [[Joshua 7:6]] and King Josiah [[2 Chronicles 34:19]] **rent** their clothes to show their humility and sorrow before God.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The word is used to illustrate God's absolute authority. He can **rend** a kingdom away from a disobedient king [[1 Samuel 15:28]] or **rend** Israel from the house of David [[2 Kings 17:21]], demonstrating that power structures are ultimately in His hands.
* **Symbol of True Repentance:** The prophet Joel's command to **rend** the heart [[Joel 2:13]] elevates the concept from a physical act to a spiritual imperative, highlighting God's desire for genuine, heartfelt repentance over mere external displays.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7167}}` is a dynamic word that conveys a forceful tearing action. While its most frequent use is the literal rending of clothes to express deep human emotion, it also carries significant figurative weight. It illustrates the power of God in judgment and, most importantly, serves as a metaphor for the profound, internal brokenness required for true repentance before the LORD.
TRV