Rending one"s garments expressed indignation or grief (cf. 2 Kings 18:37). It became a traditional response to blasphemy (cf. Acts 14:14). [1] However it was illegal for the high priest to rend his garments ( Leviticus 21:10). The punishment for blasphemy in the Mosaic Law was death ( Leviticus 24:16). At this time, blasphemy consisted of claiming for oneself a unique association with God, reflected in sitting at God"s right hand, not just misusing God"s name. [2] It also included speaking against the temple and Israel"s leaders. [2][source]