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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; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; (Isa. 49:2)
k
Rev. 1:16• 16And 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. (Rev. 1:16)
l
Psa. 139:2• 2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. (Psa. 139:2)
;
Jer. 17:10• 10I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jer. 17:10)
;
Rev. 2:23• 23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you 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 them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Heb. 13:7)
;
Isa. 49:2• 2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; (Isa. 49:2)
;
Luke 8:11• 11Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. (Luke 8:11)
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Acts 4:31• 31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
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2 Cor. 2:17• 17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Cor. 2:17)
;
2 Cor. 4:2• 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (2 Cor. 4:2)
;
Rev. 20:4• 4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Rev. 20:4)
is quick.
Psa. 110:2• 2The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. (Psa. 110:2)
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Psa. 119:130• 130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psa. 119:130)
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Eccl. 12:11• 11The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which 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 accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isa. 55:11)
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Jer. 23:29• 29Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; 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 gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Rom. 1:16)
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1 Cor. 1:24• 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Cor. 1:24)
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2 Cor. 10:4‑5• 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor. 10:4‑5)
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1 Thess. 2:13• 13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Thess. 2:13)
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James 1:18• 18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits 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 word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:23)
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John 6:51• 51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (John 6:51)
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1 Peter 2:4‑5• 4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
 5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up 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 most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. (Psa. 45:3)
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Psa. 149:6• 6Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; (Psa. 149:6)
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Prov. 5:4• 4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. (Prov. 5:4)
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Isa. 11:4• 4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for 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)
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Isa. 49:2• 2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; (Isa. 49:2)
;
Acts 2:37• 37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37)
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Acts 5:33• 33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. (Acts 5:33)
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Eph. 6:17• 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Eph. 6:17)
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Rev. 1:16• 16And 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. (Rev. 1:16)
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Rev. 2:16• 16Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Rev. 2:16)
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Rev. 19:15,21• 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
 21And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (Rev. 19:15,21)
and is.
Psa. 139:2• 2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. (Psa. 139:2)
;
Jer. 17:10• 10I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jer. 17:10)
;
1 Cor. 14:24‑25• 24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
 25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. (1 Cor. 14:24‑25)
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Eph. 5:13• 13But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. (Eph. 5:13)
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Rev. 2:23• 23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you 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.