A word used of both humans and animals, in both literal and figurative ways in the Bible. It is used as a symbol to denote predators or agents of devastation (Deut 32:24; Ps 58:3-6; Ps 124:1-7; Job 4:10; Job 41:14; Dan 7:5; Dan 7:7; Dan 7:19). In the book of Joel the devastation wrought by the teeth of locusts is taken as a judgment sent by God, calling the people to repentance (Joel 1:2-2:27; Rev 9:8). “To gnash the teeth at or against” expresses deep hostility and intention of harm (Job 16:9; Ps 35:16; Ps 37:12; Ps 112:10; Lam 2:16; Acts 7:52); however, in the NT, “weeping and gnashing of teeth” signifies horrified regret on the part of those excluded from the kingdom of God (Matt 8:12; Matt 13:42; Luke 13:28). To have white teeth (Gen 49:12) or “teeth like ewes” (Song 4:2, Song 6:6) is a sign, respectively, of blessing and beauty, but “cleanness of teeth” is synonymous with famine (Amos 4:6). The phrase “by the skin of my teeth” (Job 19:20) suggests that an escape was as narrow as the film on teeth. One can also “have one’s teeth set on edge” by vinegar (Prov 10:26) or sour grapes (Jer 31:30; Ezek 18:2).
