טֶרֶף
something torn, i.e. a fragment, e.g. a fresh leaf, prey, food
Definition
The Hebrew noun טֶרֶף (ṭereph) fundamentally means 'something torn,' referring to torn flesh or fragments. It most commonly denotes the prey of wild animals, such as a lion's kill (Genesis 49:9, Job 4:11). In this sense, it powerfully symbolizes violent conquest and consumption. The word can also refer more broadly to food or meat in general, as seen in the description of God providing for lions (Job 38:39) and for young lions (Psalm 104:21). In a few poetic instances, it is used metaphorically, as in Balaam's prophecy where Israel is likened to a lion that does not rest until it devours its 'prey' (Numbers 23:24).
Biblical Usage
טֶרֶף is used 23 times, primarily in poetic and prophetic books (Job, Psalms, Genesis 49). Its dominant usage describes the prey of predatory animals, especially lions. This creates vivid imagery of strength, violence, and divine provision within the natural order. For example, it describes a lion's prey (Genesis 49:9), the food God provides for creatures (Psalm 104:21), and the plunder taken by the wicked (Job 24:5). The KJV translates it variously as 'prey,' 'meat,' 'spoil,' and 'leaf' (the latter only in Job 29:17, likely referring to a torn-off branch or leaf).
Etymology
טֶרֶף is a noun derived from the root טָרַף (ṭāraph, H2963), which means 'to tear, rend, or pluck.' This root conveys a sense of violent separation. The noun therefore carries the core idea of something that has been torn apart, whether that is animal prey, plundered goods, or even a torn piece of vegetation.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it highlights themes of God's sovereignty over creation and the reality of violence within a fallen world. It portrays God as the ultimate provider who gives prey to predators (Job 38:39, Psalm 104:21), emphasizing His care for all creatures. The imagery is also used to depict divine judgment and power, as when God is described as breaking the 'prey' (weapons) of the enemy (Psalm 76:4). In prophecy, it symbolizes military conquest and God's empowering of His people (Numbers 23:24, Genesis 49:9). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches readings of these passages by connecting animal predation, human violence, and divine providence under a single conceptual umbrella.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the lion was a supreme symbol of royal power and ferocity. Describing a person or nation as a lion that secures its טֶרֶף was a powerful metaphor for military victory and dominance. The concept of 'torn' meat also relates directly to food procurement; wild animals and humans alike consumed meat that was literally torn from a carcass, a stark contrast to modern butchery.
שָׁלָל (shālal, H7998) — spoil or plunder taken in war, focusing on captured goods rather than torn flesh. בָּשָׂר (bāśār, H1320) — flesh/meat as substance, without the inherent connotation of being torn. אֹכֶל (ʾōkel, H400) — food in a general sense.
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.
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