Bible Dictionaries
Teeth

Holman Bible Dictionary

Hard bony structures in the jaws of persons and animals used to cut and grind food. In Old Testament thinking, the loss of a tooth was a serious matter subject to the law of retaliation (Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19-20; Deuteronomy 19:21; compare Matthew 5:38-42 ). Teeth set on edge, that is made dull or insensitive, illustrates the concept of corporate or inherited guilt challenged by the prophets (Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:2-3 ). Gnashing of teeth displays the raging despair of those excluded from Christ's kingdom (Matthew 8:12; Matthew 13:42 ).