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NASB | Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. |
Subject: What is a two-edge sword? |
Bible Note: When I read this scripture, I think the writer is talking about the fact that the Bible “cuts” both ways. We can preach the Word to others and it can cut their hearts. At the same time we can be cut to the heart (see Acts 2:26-38). Hence, it “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Think of the Word of God as a surgeon’s scalpel. Someone with cancer needs the cancer (sin) removed from their body, but at the same time wants to leave the non-cancerous tissue intact. The surgeon’s scalpel is so sharp it separates the two, cutting away the cancer and leaving the living tissue. Doesn’t the Word of God do the same thing? Cutting the sin from our lives and leaving us with life. Describing the Word as a double-edged sword I believe suggests this. Because the Hebrew writer says it is “sharper than any double-edged sword” is just emphasizing the power of the Word. I don’t think there is any deeper meaning to the different references. Kin |