Verse
Hebrews 4:12 — For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any…
“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.”
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Read it in context
The verses around Hebrews 4:12.
10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12For 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.
13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Verse explanation
Comparing God's word to a sword “sharper than any twoedged sword” means it cuts deep, discerning even thoughts and intentions a person may not notice in themselves. It's an image of penetrating power, not of violence.
From the Hebrews 4 study in Bible in Stories.
Hebrews 4:12 in other versions
The same verse in the 4 Bible versions we have on the site.
- KJV · King James
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.
Read the chapter in this version → - ARC · Almeida 1911Português
Porque a palavra de Deus é viva e efficaz, e mais penetrante do que espada alguma de dois gumes, e penetra até á divisão da alma e do espirito, e das junturas e medullas, e é apta para discernir os pensamentos e intenções do coração.
Read the chapter in this version → - BLIVRE · Bíblia LivrePortuguês
Porque a palavra de Deus é viva e eficaz, e mais afiada do que toda espada de dois gumes, e que penetra até a divisão da alma e do espírito, das juntas e das medulas, e é apta para julgar os pensamentos e intenções do coração.
Read the chapter in this version → - VBL · Versión Biblia LibreEspañol
Pues la palabra de Dios es viva y eficaz, y más afilada que espada de dos filos, que penetra hasta separar la vida y el aliento, así como los tendones y los tuétanos, juzgando los pensamientos y las intenciones de la mente.
Read the chapter in this version →
In other languages: Português (Hebreus 4:12) · Español (Hebreos 4:12)
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