Lexical Summary charaq: To gnash, grind Original Word: חָרַק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gnash A primitive root; to grate the teeth -- gnash. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to gnash or grind NASB Translation gnash (2), gnashed (2), gnashes (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חָרַק verb gnash or grind the teeth, only in poetry (Late Hebrew id.; Arabic ![]() ![]() Qal Perfect3masculine singular ׳ח Job 16:9; Imperfect יַחֲרֹק Psalm 112:10; וַיַּחַרְקוּֿ Lamentations 2:16; Infinitive absolute חָרֹק Psalm 35:16; Participle חֹרֵק Psalm 37:12; — grind the teeth in rage against: שׁניו על ׳ח Psalm 37:12; Psalm 35:16 absolute without על Psalm 112:10; Lamentations 2:16 (only here with שֵׁן singular); with בְּ instrumental (Ges§ 119, 3 b, R. DaSynt, § 73 R. 6) בשׁניו עלֿ ׳ח Job 16:9. Topical Lexicon Concept Overview חָרַק depicts the violent grinding or gnashing of the teeth, an outward sign of inward rage, contempt, or frustrated desire. In every occurrence the verb paints hostility—usually of the wicked toward the righteous or toward God’s covenant community. Occurrences in Scripture • Job 16:9 – Job laments that his adversary “gnashes His teeth at me,” intensifying the portrait of merciless aggression. Old Testament Portrait of Hostility Across these texts the verb unifies diverse settings—personal suffering (Job), royal persecution (Psalm 35), societal conflict (Psalm 37), eschatological reversal (Psalm 112), and national calamity (Lamentations 2). In each, the gnashing teeth belong to those set against God’s purposes, underscoring the moral polarity that runs through Scripture: those who fear the LORD versus those who oppose Him. Foreshadowing New Testament Usage The Synoptic Gospels repeatedly use “weeping and gnashing of teeth” to depict final judgment (for example, Matthew 13:42). The Old Testament occurrences of חָרַק establish the gesture as the hallmark of hardened opposition, preparing the reader to perceive in Christ’s teaching both continuity and escalation: the same rebellious posture persists, and in the end it is met with divine justice. Theological Themes 1. Righteous Suffering: Believers should not be surprised when hostility manifests violently or mockingly; Scripture normalizes such opposition. Practical Ministry Implications • Pastoral Care: When counseling those oppressed by ridicule or violence, these texts provide language that legitimizes their pain and anchors hope in God’s vindication. Homiletical and Devotional Considerations • Contrast between gnashing teeth (unbelieving rage) and rejoicing lips (Psalm 34:1) offers a sharp sermon or devotional juxtaposition. Historical Context In the ancient Near East, baring and grinding the teeth conveyed more than irritation; it was an overt threat of violence. Such a gesture in court or covenantal settings marked a breakdown of peace. The biblical writers appropriate this cultural signal to unveil the spiritual reality behind human enmity: opposition to God’s righteousness inevitably surfaces in aggressive displays—an insight as relevant in modern ministry as it was in Job’s day. Summary חָרַק encapsulates the fury of the wicked and the testing of the righteous while testifying to God’s unbroken commitment to vindicate His people. Far from a mere cultural oddity, the gnashing of teeth threads through redemptive history, from Job’s ash heap to the eschaton, reminding believers that rage against the righteous is temporary, but the Lord’s salvation endures forever. Forms and Transliterations וְחֹרֵ֖ק וַיַּֽחַרְקוּ־ וחרק ויחרקו־ חָרַ֣ק חָרֹ֖ק חרק יַחֲרֹ֣ק יחרק chaRak chaRok ḥā·raq ḥā·rōq ḥāraq ḥārōq vaiyacharku vechoRek way·ya·ḥar·qū- wayyaḥarqū- wə·ḥō·rêq wəḥōrêq ya·ḥă·rōq yachaRok yaḥărōqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 16:9 HEB: טָרַ֨ף ׀ וַֽיִּשְׂטְמֵ֗נִי חָרַ֣ק עָלַ֣י בְּשִׁנָּ֑יו NAS: me and hunted me down, He has gnashed at me with His teeth; KJV: who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; INT: has torn and hunted has gnashed with his teeth Psalm 35:16 Psalm 37:12 Psalm 112:10 Lamentations 2:16 5 Occurrences |