Hebrews 4:12

Authorized King James Version

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ζῶν

G2198

is quick

to live (literally or figuratively)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐνεργὴς

G1756

powerful

active, operative

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

τομώτερος

G5114

sharper

more keen

#11

ὑπὲρ

G5228

than

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

#12

πᾶσαν

G3956

any

all, any, every, the whole

#13

μάχαιραν

G3162

sword

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment

#14

δίστομον

G1366

twoedged

double-edged

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

διϊκνούμενος

G1338

piercing

to reach through, i.e., penetrate

#17

ἄχρι

G891

even to

(of time) until or (of place) up to

#18

μερισμοῦ

G3311

the dividing asunder

a separation or distribution

#19

ψυχῆς

G5590

of soul

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#20

τὲ

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#21

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

πνεύματος

G4151

spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#23

ἁρμῶν

G719

of the joints

an articulation (of the body)

#24

τὲ

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#26

μυελῶν

G3452

marrow

the marrow

#27

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#28

κριτικὸς

G2924

is a discerner

decisive ("critical"), i.e., discriminative

#29

ἐνθυμήσεων

G1761

of the thoughts

deliberation

#30

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#31

ἐννοιῶν

G1771

intents

thoughtfulness, i.e., moral understanding

#32

καρδίας·

G2588

of the heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Ephesians 6:17 Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
— Sword of the Spirit
² Revelation 1:16 Revelation 1:16
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
— Sharp twoedged sword

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hebrews. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Topics

Faith
Hope