Scripture often uses teeth symbolically, to refer to the power of individuals or to human rage (as in the “gnashing of teeth”).
Teeth in a literal sense
In eating
Numbers 11:33 See also Daniel 7:5, Daniel 7:7, Daniel 7:19; Zechariah 9:7; Revelation 9:8
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague.
As an object of beauty
Song of Solomon 4:2 See also Genesis 49:12; Song of Solomon 6:6
Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep coming up from the washing; each has its twin, and not one of them is lost.
As an object of fear
Job 41:14 See also Deuteronomy 32:24; Job 20:16; Joel 1:6
Who can open his jaws, ringed by his fearsome teeth?
Teeth used symbolically
To represent offensive weapons
To symbolise military power
Isaiah 41:15 See also Joel 1:6; Amos 1:3; Habakkuk 3:12
Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff.
God rescues his people from the teeth of their enemies
Psalm 124:6 See also Job 4:10; Daniel 6:20–21
Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
Breaking the teeth of the wicked ends their power
Psalm 3:7 See also Job 29:17; Psalm 58:6 Enemies are often described as dangerous animals.
Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
Gnashing of teeth
In rage
Acts 7:54 See also Job 16:9; Psalm 35:16, Psalm 37:12
On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him.
In frustration
In anguish
Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 13:50, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 24:51, Matthew 25:30; Luke 13:28
In gloating
Under demonic influence
Proverbial sayings about teeth
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.