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Hebrews 4

Heb. 4:12 KJV (With Strong’s)

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12
For
gar (Greek #1063)
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
KJV usage: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Pronounce: gar
Origin: a primary particle
the word
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
logos (Greek #3056)
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)
KJV usage: account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.
Pronounce: log'-os
Origin: from 3004
g of God
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
theos (Greek #2316)
a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
KJV usage: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Pronounce: theh'-os
Origin: of uncertain affinity
is quick
zao (Greek #2198)
to live (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick.
Pronounce: dzah'-o
Origin: a primary verb
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
powerful
energes (Greek #1756)
active, operative
KJV usage: effectual, powerful.
Pronounce: en-er-gace'
Origin: from 1722 and 2041
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
sharper
tomoteros (Greek #5114)
more keen
KJV usage: sharper.
Pronounce: tom-o'-ter-os
Origin: comparative of a derivative of the primary τέμνω (to cut; more comprehensive or decisive than 2875, as if by a single stroke; whereas that implies repeated blows, like hacking)
than
huper (Greek #5228)
"over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case superior to, more than
KJV usage: (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very. In the comparative, it retains many of the above applications.
Pronounce: hoop-er'
Origin: a primary preposition
any
pas (Greek #3956)
apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole
KJV usage: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
Pronounce: pas
Origin: including all the forms of declension
twoedged
distomos (Greek #1366)
double-edged
KJV usage: with two edges, two-edged.
Pronounce: dis'-tom-os
Origin: from 1364 and 4750
sword
machaira (Greek #3162)
a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
KJV usage: sword.
Pronounce: makh'-ahee-rah
Origin: probably feminine of a presumed derivative of 3163
k, piercing
diikneomai (Greek #1338)
to reach through, i.e. penetrate
KJV usage: pierce.
Pronounce: dee-ik-neh'-om-ahee
Origin: from 1223 and the base of 2425
even
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
to
achri (Greek #891)
akin to 206 (through the idea of a terminus); (of time) until or (of place) up to
KJV usage: as far as, for, in(-to), till, (even, un-)to, until, while. Compare 3360.
Pronounce: akh'-ree
Origin: or ἄχρις (akh'-rece)
the dividing asunder
merismos (Greek #3311)
a separation or distribution
KJV usage: dividing asunder, gift.
Pronounce: mer-is-mos'
Origin: from 3307
of soul
te (Greek #5037)
both or also (properly, as correlation of 2532)
KJV usage: also, and, both, even, then, whether. Often used in composition, usually as the latter participle.
Pronounce: teh
Origin: a primary particle (enclitic) of connection or addition
psuche (Greek #5590)
breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from 4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from 2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew 05315, 07307 and 02416)
KJV usage: heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.
Pronounce: psoo-khay'
Origin: from 5594
and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
spirit
pneuma (Greek #4151)
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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
KJV usage: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.
Pronounce: pnyoo'-mah
Origin: from 4154
, and
te (Greek #5037)
both or also (properly, as correlation of 2532)
KJV usage: also, and, both, even, then, whether. Often used in composition, usually as the latter participle.
Pronounce: teh
Origin: a primary particle (enclitic) of connection or addition
of the joints
harmos (Greek #719)
an articulation (of the body)
KJV usage: joint.
Pronounce: har-mos'
Origin: from the same as 716
and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
marrow
muelos (Greek #3452)
the marrow
KJV usage: marrow.
Pronounce: moo-el-os'
Origin: perhaps a primary word
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
is a discerner
kritikos (Greek #2924)
decisive ("critical"), i.e. discriminative
KJV usage: discerner.
Pronounce: krit-ee-kos'
Origin: from 2923
l of the thoughts
enthumesis (Greek #1761)
deliberation
KJV usage: device, thought.
Pronounce: en-thoo'-may-sis
Origin: from 1760
and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
intents
ennoia (Greek #1771)
thoughtfulness, i.e. moral understanding
KJV usage: intent, mind.
Pronounce: en'-noy-ah
Origin: from a compound of 1722 and 3563
of the heart
kardia (Greek #2588)
the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
KJV usage: (+ broken-)heart(-ed).
Pronounce: kar-dee'-ah
Origin: prolonged from a primary κάρ (Latin cor, "heart")
.
g
Isa. 49:2• 2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword, he hath concealed me under the shadow of his hand, and he hath made me a polished shaft: in his quiver hath he hidden me. (Isa. 49:2)
k
Rev. 1:16• 16and having in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth a sharp two-edged sword going forth; and his countenance as the sun shines in its power. (Rev. 1:16)
l
Psa. 139:2• 2*Thou* knowest my down-sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off; (Psa. 139:2)
;
Jer. 17:10• 10I Jehovah search the heart, I try the reins, even to give each one according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. (Jer. 17:10)
;
Rev. 2:23• 23and her children will I kill with death; and all the assemblies shall know that *I* am he that searches the reins and the hearts; and I will give to you each according to your works. (Rev. 2:23)

More on:

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God,
Heart,
Soul; Spirit,
Spirit,
Sword

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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the word.
Heb. 13:7• 7Remember your leaders who have spoken to you the word of God; and considering the issue of their conversation, imitate their faith. (Heb. 13:7)
;
Isa. 49:2• 2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword, he hath concealed me under the shadow of his hand, and he hath made me a polished shaft: in his quiver hath he hidden me. (Isa. 49:2)
;
Luke 8:11• 11But the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. (Luke 8:11)
;
Acts 4:31• 31And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
;
2 Cor. 2:17• 17For we do not, as the many, make a trade of the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, before God, we speak in Christ. (2 Cor. 2:17)
;
2 Cor. 4:2• 2But we have rejected the hidden things of shame, not walking in deceit, nor falsifying the word of God, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God. (2 Cor. 4:2)
;
Rev. 20:4• 4And I saw thrones; and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them; and the souls of those beheaded on account of the testimony of Jesus, and on account of the word of God; and those who had not done homage to the beast nor to his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and hand; and they lived and reigned with the Christ a thousand years: (Rev. 20:4)
is quick.
Psa. 110:2• 2Jehovah shall send the sceptre of thy might out of Zion: rule in the midst of thine enemies. (Psa. 110:2)
;
Psa. 119:130• 130The entrance of thy words giveth light, giving understanding unto the simple. (Psa. 119:130)
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Eccl. 12:11• 11The words of the wise are as goads, and the collections of them as nails fastened in: they are given from one shepherd. (Eccl. 12:11)
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Isa. 55:11• 11so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall do that which I please, and it shall accomplish that for which I send it. (Isa. 55:11)
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Jer. 23:29• 29Is not my word like a fire, saith Jehovah; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jer. 23:29)
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Rom. 1:16• 16For I am not ashamed of the glad tidings; for it is God's power to salvation, to every one that believes, both to Jew first and to Greek: (Rom. 1:16)
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1 Cor. 1:24• 24but to those that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ God's power and God's wisdom. (1 Cor. 1:24)
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2 Cor. 10:4‑5• 4For the arms of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful according to God to the overthrow of strongholds;
 5overthrowing reasonings and every high thing that lifts itself up against the knowledge of God, and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the Christ; (2 Cor. 10:4‑5)
;
1 Thess. 2:13• 13And for this cause we also give thanks to God unceasingly that, having received the word of the report of God by us, ye accepted, not men's word, but, even as it is truly, God's word, which also works in you who believe. (1 Thess. 2:13)
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James 1:18• 18According to his own will begat he us by the word of truth, that we should be a certain first-fruits of *his* creatures. (James 1:18)
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1 Peter 1:23• 23being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the living and abiding word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)
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John 6:51• 51I am the living bread which has come down out of heaven: if any one shall have eaten of this bread he shall live for ever; but the bread withal which I shall give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (John 6:51)
;
1 Peter 2:4‑5• 4To whom coming, a living stone, cast away indeed as worthless by men, but with God chosen, precious,
 5yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4‑5)
;
1 Peter 2•  (1 Peter 2)
:*Gr:
sharper.
Psa. 45:3• 3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O mighty one, in thy majesty and thy splendour; (Psa. 45:3)
;
Psa. 149:6• 6Let the high praises of *God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand: (Psa. 149:6)
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Prov. 5:4• 4but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. (Prov. 5:4)
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Isa. 11:4• 4but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. (Isa. 11:4)
;
Isa. 49:2• 2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword, he hath concealed me under the shadow of his hand, and he hath made me a polished shaft: in his quiver hath he hidden me. (Isa. 49:2)
;
Acts 2:37• 37And having heard it they were pricked in heart, and said to Peter and the other apostles, What shall we do, brethren? (Acts 2:37)
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Acts 5:33• 33But they, when they heard these things, were cut to the heart, and took counsel to kill them. (Acts 5:33)
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Eph. 6:17• 17Have also the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word; (Eph. 6:17)
;
Rev. 1:16• 16and having in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth a sharp two-edged sword going forth; and his countenance as the sun shines in its power. (Rev. 1:16)
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Rev. 2:16• 16Repent therefore: but if not, I come to thee quickly, and I will make war with them with the sword of my mouth. (Rev. 2:16)
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Rev. 19:15,21• 15And out of his mouth goes a sharp two-edged sword, that with it he might smite the nations; and he shall shepherd them with an iron rod; and he treads the wine-press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
 21and the rest were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which goes out of his mouth; and all the birds were filled with their flesh. (Rev. 19:15,21)
and is.
Psa. 139:2• 2*Thou* knowest my down-sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off; (Psa. 139:2)
;
Jer. 17:10• 10I Jehovah search the heart, I try the reins, even to give each one according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. (Jer. 17:10)
;
1 Cor. 14:24‑25• 24But if all prophesy, and some unbeliever or simple person come in, he is convicted of all, he is judged of all;
 25the secrets of his heart are manifested; and thus, falling upon his face, he will do homage to God, reporting that God is indeed amongst you. (1 Cor. 14:24‑25)
;
Eph. 5:13• 13But all things having their true character exposed by the light are made manifest; for that which makes everything manifest is light. (Eph. 5:13)
;
Rev. 2:23• 23and her children will I kill with death; and all the assemblies shall know that *I* am he that searches the reins and the hearts; and I will give to you each according to your works. (Rev. 2:23)
• true-hearted believers welcome the application of its edge; for, if not pleasant to nature, it is profitable to us and due to God. (“Hebrews 4:11-13” by W. Kelly)
• the word of God has the energy of its source and its own unmistakable character. It arrests the conscience, it sounds the heart, so that feelings and motives can no longer be hid. Christ, its great theme, shines as the True Light and makes everything manifest that is not like Himself. (“Hebrews 4:11-13” by W. Kelly)
• Thoughts before they are articulated in word, intents not yet reaching action, are sifted and vanish. Now where spiritual integrity exists, this is just what is wanted and desired; for we, from our new birth, are sanctified by the Spirit to the obedience of Christ (“Hebrews 4:11-13” by W. Kelly)
• The Apostle then sets before us the instrument which God employs to judge the unbelief and all the workings of the heart which tend, as we have seen, to lead the believer into departure from the position of faith. (“Hebrews 4” by J.N. Darby)
• It is the Word of God, which-being the revelation of God, the expression of what He is, and of all that surrounds Him, and of what His will is in all the circumstances that surround us-judges everything in the heart which is not of Him. (“Hebrews 4” by J.N. Darby)
• Whenever nature-the “soul” and its feelings- mingles with that which is spiritual, it brings the edge of the sword of the living truth of God between the two, and judges the hidden movements of the heart respecting them. (“Hebrews 4” by J.N. Darby)
• {v.12-16} the two great means by which believers are preserved as they journey through the wilderness to the rest of God: first, the Word of God (verses 12-13); second, the priestly service of Christ (verses 14-16). (“The Rest to Which the Wilderness Leads: Hebrews 4:1-11” by H. Smith)
• It is not a question of outward sins, but rather the hidden motives and springs of evil. (“The Rest to Which the Wilderness Leads: Hebrews 4:1-11” by H. Smith)

J. N. Darby Translation

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12
For the word of God is living and operative, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and penetrating to the divisiong of soul and spirit, both of joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

JND Translation Notes

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g
The passage has, I judge, the sense of dividing between each pair of objects and not of dividing each of the things by itself.

W. Kelly Translation

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12
For living [is] the word of God, and effectual, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge heart’s thoughts and intents.