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Bible Dictionaries
Tooth
Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament
or TOOTH (ὀδούς).
1. In legal compensation.—The tooth was the least important of the particulars enumerated as exemplifying the exaction of like for like (Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, Deuteronomy 19:21). Under primitive conditions of social life, this law acted mercifully in repressing wanton disregard of life and limb in the relationship of master and slave, and of the strong towards the weak generally. It also inculcated respect for the body by the compensation awarded when any mutilation had been inflicted or disability incurred. Although the item of loss was in itself insignificant, the claim connected with it lay within the area and application of a great principle, which by its recognized standard of liability protected both parties, and prevented private abuse. It thus in due time formed part of the boundary line of an outgrown ideal, the transcending of which led at once and definitely into the Kingdom of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:38-39).
2. In emotional expression.—Gnashing of the teeth, with weeping and wailing (Matthew 8:12; Matthew 13:42; Matthew 13:50; Matthew 22:13 etc.), is the physical expression of regret over remembered advantages and opportunities lost. It was also a sign of evil possession (Mark 9:18), and a manifestation of malignant hatred (Acts 7:54). Among the modern inhabitants of Palestine, on account of the similarity in physical accompaniment, the same Arabic word is used to indicate both violent indignation and the sorrow of bereavement. When a forgotten promise or matter of neglected duty is suddenly recollected, or it is discovered that a grave mistake has been committed, Orientals indicate their feeling of annoyance and regret by slapping the hand on the thigh (Jeremiah 31:19, Ezekiel 21:12), and by thrusting the knuckle of the forefinger into the mouth, as if instinctively seeking something on which to press and clench the teeth.
G. M. Mackie.
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Hastings, James. Entry for 'Tooth'. Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdn/t/tooth.html. 1906-1918.
