טָרַף

טָרַף

to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)

Definition

The verb טָרַף (ṭâraph) primarily means to tear, rend, or pluck into pieces, often describing the violent action of a wild animal (Genesis 37:33, 44:28). In a causative sense (Hiphil stem), it means to provide or supply with food, specifically by tearing meat into morsels to feed someone, as seen in Genesis 49:27 where Benjamin is described as a ravenous wolf devouring prey and dividing spoil. This dual meaning connects the act of tearing apart with the subsequent distribution of sustenance. The word can also be used metaphorically for being torn apart by enemies or misfortune, as in Job 16:9 where Job feels God has torn him in His anger.

Biblical Usage

טָרַף is used 22 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and poetic books. Its literal sense of an animal tearing prey appears in legal contexts like Exodus 22:13 regarding restitution for livestock. The causative 'to feed' is rarer but significant, used in blessings and descriptions of provision (Genesis 49:27, Deuteronomy 33:20). Poetic books like Job and Psalms employ it metaphorically for destruction or being ravaged by adversaries (Psalm 7:2, Job 18:4).

Etymology

טָרַף is a primitive root in Hebrew. It is related to the Arabic root ṭarafa meaning 'to pluck' or 'to be fresh,' and the Akkadian ṭarāpu, 'to break.' This suggests an original sense of forcibly separating or breaking something into parts, which developed into the specific meanings of tearing apart and, by extension, preparing food by tearing it.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays both divine judgment and provision. The image of being torn apart by God (Job 16:9) confronts the reader with the raw reality of suffering under divine sovereignty. Conversely, in the blessing of Benjamin (Genesis 49:27) and Moses's blessing of Gad (Deuteronomy 33:20), the causative sense portrays God enabling His people to secure and distribute provision, often through martial strength. Understanding this range enriches reading by showing how biblical language connects violence, sustenance, and divine action. In an ancient pastoral and agricultural society, the threat of wild animals tearing livestock was a direct economic and personal danger (Exodus 22:13). The causative sense of 'feeding' reflects a cultural understanding of a meal, especially of meat, as something prepared by being torn or divided from a larger piece, not neatly cut. The metaphor of a ravenous wolf (Genesis 49:27) would have been a powerful, immediate image of both destructive ferocity and successful hunting providing for the tribe. שָׁסַע (shāsaʿ, H8156) — to split or tear apart, often used for cleaving wood or dividing animals in sacrifice; less about consuming. קָרַע (qāraʿ, H7167) — to tear, rend (like clothing); typically for garments in mourning, not for animals or food. אָכַל (ʾākhal, H398) — to eat or consume; a general term for eating, whereas טָרַף focuses on the initial act of tearing the food.

Word Details