Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "rented" is often used in the context of tearing or rending garments, a practice that held significant cultural and religious meaning in ancient Israelite society. This act was a physical expression of deep emotional distress, mourning, repentance, or indignation. The tearing of one's clothes was a visible sign of an inward turmoil or a response to blasphemy, sacrilege, or profound grief.
Old Testament InstancesOne of the earliest instances of this practice is found in the account of Jacob. Upon believing that his son Joseph had been killed by a wild animal, Jacob "tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned for his son many days" (
Genesis 37:34). This act of rending garments was a customary expression of mourning and lamentation.
In the book of Joshua, when the Israelites were defeated at Ai, Joshua and the elders of Israel "tore their clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD until evening" (
Joshua 7:6). This act signified their distress and supplication before God, seeking His guidance and forgiveness.
The prophet Joel calls the people to repentance with the words, "Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate" (
Joel 2:13). Here, the emphasis is on genuine repentance and inner transformation rather than mere outward expressions.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the act of rending garments is seen during the trial of Jesus. When Jesus affirmed His identity as the Son of God, the high priest "tore his clothes and declared, 'He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses?'" (
Matthew 26:65). This was a dramatic expression of perceived blasphemy, according to Jewish law.
Cultural and Religious SignificanceThe act of rending garments was deeply embedded in the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites. It was a symbolic gesture that communicated a range of emotions and responses to various situations. The tearing of clothes was often accompanied by other signs of mourning, such as wearing sackcloth and ashes, fasting, and lamentation.
In a broader theological context, the act of rending garments can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament emphasis on inner transformation and repentance. The prophets, particularly Joel, highlighted the importance of a contrite heart over mere external displays of piety.
ConclusionThe practice of rending garments in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of human emotion and spiritual response. It underscores the importance of sincerity in worship and repentance, pointing to the deeper spiritual truths that transcend mere ritualistic expressions.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Rent.
Greek
3410. misthoma -- rent, arented house... rent, a
rented house. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: misthoma Phonetic
Spelling: (mis'-tho-mah) Short Definition: a
rented house Definition: a
...1554. ekdidomi -- to give up, give out, let out for hire
... Word Origin from ek and didomi Definition to give up, give out, let out for
hire NASB Word Usage rent (1),rented (3). let forth, let out....
Library
The Blossoming Desert.
... disciple of Christ. Since her baptism, she hasrented a room in Amoy, that
she may live within sound of the Gospel. When she told...
Mission Work in Chicago
... leading you. As the work was not satisfactory to us, my brotherrented
a house for five years as a missionary home. The monthly...
The Unrighteous Mammon
... Onerented an olive garden, and paid for it so many measures of oil; another
rented corn-land, and paid so many measures of meal....
Church Union.
... A great interest was awakened. A small house wasrented for a chapel. This... increase.
We found the premises we hadrented entirely too small....
1861-1869. Prayer of Hon. And Rev. Baptist Noel --Residence in...
... the young women who had been blessed were invited to meet for a week-evening
Bible-reading and prayer-meeting, and for this purpose Lady Rowleyrented a room...
From the Introduction of Methodism into the City of New York, in...
... They accordinglyrented a room in the neighborhood of larger dimensions, the
expense of which was defrayed by voluntary contributions....
Proving God's Faithfulness (1902-1908)
... To make this possible a native compound would berented in the center, where we
would stay a month for our first visit, leaving behind an evangelist to carry...
Acts XXVIII
... was probably the influence of Julius, the centurion, in his favor, which obtained
for Paul the distinguished privilege of living in his ownrented house, with...
Trophies of Grace
... of their parents. The Adjutantrented a small hall in Coley Street, and
to it invited the children; they came in swarms. She made...
Early Missionary Experiences
... After six months' stay with Dr. Lockhart, Irented a native house outside the
Settlement, and commenced a little missionary work amongst my Chinese neighbours...
Thesaurus
Rented (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rented (4 Occurrences).
... "A man planted a vineyard, and
rented it out to some farmers, and went into another country for a long time.
...Vineyard (69 Occurrences)
... "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built
a tower,rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country....
Farmers (23 Occurrences)
... "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built
a tower,rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country....
Tenants (18 Occurrences)
... "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built
a tower,rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country....
Planted (105 Occurrences)
... "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built
a tower,rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country....
Journey (214 Occurrences)
... "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built
a tower,rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country....
Quarters (17 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Acts 28:30 Paul stayed two whole years in his ownrented house, and
received all who were coming to him, (See NAS). Revelation...
Welcoming (2 Occurrences)
... it. (See NAS). Acts 28:30 Paul stayed two whole years in his ownrented
house, and received all who were coming to him, (See NAS)....
Watchtower (9 Occurrences)
... "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built
a tower,rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country....
Welcomed (30 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS NIV). Acts 28:30 Paul stayed two whole years in his ownrented house,
and received all who were coming to him, (See RSV NIV)....
Resources
Is a gospel crusade a biblical method of evangelism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Celtic Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.orgRented: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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