Biblical Motif of Tearing of a Vesture as a Symbol of Division of a Community in the Light of 1 Kings 11:29–39 and John 19:23–24

Tomasz Siemieniec

doi:10.18290/rt.2015.62.7-2

Tomasz Siemieniec The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Faculty of Theology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rt.2015.62.7-2

Keywords: unity; 1 Kings; Jesus’ tunic; Gospel of John; Biblical symbolism

Abstract

The presented article analyzes two texts, in which a motif of tearing of the garment which is used symbolically, occurs. In 1 Kings 11:29–39 the divided cloak of Jeroboam becomes a symbol for divided Davidic kingdom. It will be divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. According to theological interpretation the reason for this division is the sin of king. The Text of John 19:23–24 describes the scene of the division of Jesus’s garment. The untorn tunic of Jesus symbolizes the unity of the Church. In the case of the scene presented in the Fourth Gospel, we have a double meaning of it. At first it indicates a variety, which exists in the Church, that reaches to the ends of the earth. Then it stresses the fact that the community of the Church, indeed variegated, is the one, undivided community. It is possible, because it origins „from above”, it is not made by any human hand.

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