The tearing of garments is a significant cultural and religious practice found throughout the Bible, symbolizing profound grief, mourning, repentance, or outrage. This act is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern customs and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a physical expression of inner turmoil or distress.

Biblical Instances:

1. Grief and Mourning: The tearing of garments is often associated with mourning the death of a loved one. In Genesis 37:34, Jacob tears his clothes upon believing that his son Joseph has been killed by a wild animal: "Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days." This act signifies the depth of his sorrow and the cultural practice of expressing grief.

2. Repentance and Humility: In times of repentance, individuals would tear their garments as a sign of humility and contrition before God. In Joel 2:13, the prophet calls the people to genuine repentance: "So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God." Here, the emphasis is on true repentance, indicating that the outward act should reflect an inward change of heart.

3. Outrage and Distress: The tearing of garments also occurs in response to blasphemy or sacrilege. In 2 Kings 18:37, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah tear their clothes after hearing the blasphemous words of the Assyrian Rabshakeh: "Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder, went to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and reported to him the words of the Rabshakeh." This act demonstrates their distress and the gravity of the situation.

4. Divine Judgment: The tearing of garments can also be a response to the realization of divine judgment or impending disaster. In 2 Kings 22:11, King Josiah tears his clothes upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law, realizing the nation's disobedience: "When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes." This signifies his alarm and recognition of the need for national repentance.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The act of tearing one's garments is a powerful symbol in the biblical narrative, reflecting the emotional and spiritual state of the individual. It serves as a visible manifestation of inner feelings, whether they be sorrow, repentance, or indignation. The practice underscores the importance of sincerity in one's relationship with God, as seen in the call to "rend your hearts and not your garments" (Joel 2:13).

In the New Testament, the practice is less frequently mentioned, but it retains its significance in moments of extreme emotion or religious fervor. For example, in Matthew 26:65, the high priest tears his clothes in response to what he perceives as blasphemy from Jesus: "Then the high priest tore his clothes and declared, 'He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.'"

Overall, the tearing of garments is a multifaceted symbol within the biblical text, representing a range of human emotions and spiritual states. It serves as a reminder of the depth of human experience and the importance of aligning outward expressions with inward convictions.