קָרַע
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
Definition
The Hebrew verb קָרַע (qâraʻ) primarily means 'to tear, rend, or rip apart.' It describes the physical act of tearing cloth, as when Jacob tore his garments in grief (Genesis 37:34). Figuratively, it extends to the tearing of the heart as a sign of deep repentance and spiritual anguish (Joel 2:13). In a distinct usage, it refers to the painting or enlarging of the eyes with cosmetics, as mentioned in 2 Kings 9:30 and Ezekiel 23:40, a practice associated with seduction or idolatry. The word can also signify a decisive, violent action, such as tearing down altars (Judges 6:28).
Biblical Usage
קָרַע is used about 60 times in the Old Testament, most frequently for the ceremonial or emotional tearing of garments as a sign of mourning, distress, or repentance (e.g., Genesis 44:13, Joshua 7:6). It appears in legal contexts regarding inspecting and tearing out stained fabric (Leviticus 13:56). The sense of 'enlarging/painting the eyes' is rare, found in narratives involving queens and prophetic condemnation. The verb is common in historical and prophetic books, often marking moments of profound crisis or divine judgment.
Etymology
A primitive root, its core meaning relates to a violent splitting or tearing apart. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the sense of rending. The development to include 'enlarging the eyes' with paint is likely a metaphorical extension, imagining the cosmetic line as 'tearing' or opening the eye's appearance.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it bridges external ritual and internal spiritual reality. The prophets' call to 'rend your heart and not your garments' (Joel 2:13) transforms a cultural mourning practice into a profound metaphor for genuine, humble repentance before God. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by connecting physical acts of tearing clothes with the deeper, desired condition of a contrite spirit. It also highlights the biblical association of cosmetic adornment with spiritual adultery and idolatry.
In ancient Israelite culture, tearing one's clothes was a formal, public expression of intense grief, outrage, or repentance. It was a non-verbal communication understood by all. The painting of the eyes (kohl) was a known practice in the ancient Near East, but the biblical authors often link it with foreign, seductive, or idolatrous women, framing it as a symbol of corruption and unfaithfulness, contrasting with inner purity.
גָּזַר (gāzar, H1504) — to cut, divide, or decree; implies a decisive cutting, often by a sharp instrument. שָׁסַע (shāsaʻ, H8156) — to split, tear apart; used for cleaving or ripping something into pieces. בָּקַע (bāqaʻ, H1234) — to split, break open; often used for the ground or rocks.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →