### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **myelós**, represented by `{{G3452}}`, is defined as **the marrow**. This word appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, yet its single usage provides a powerful metaphor for something deep, hidden, and essential.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3452}}` is in [[Hebrews 4:12]], where the Word of God is described as a sword so sharp it is capable of "piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and **marrow**." In this context, **marrow** represents the deepest and most fundamental part of the physical being, inaccessible to any normal blade. Its inclusion illustrates that the Word of God can penetrate the innermost core of a person, reaching places that are otherwise unreachable.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in [[Hebrews 4:12]] help frame the meaning of `{{G3452}}`:
* `{{G719}}` **harmós** (an articulation (of the body):--joint): This word is used in direct parallel with **marrow**. The phrase "joints and marrow" encompasses the physical structure of a person, from the articulated frame to its deepest substance.
* `{{G5590}}` **psychḗ** (breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only...):--...soul...): Paired with spirit, **soul** represents one aspect of the non-physical self that the Word of God is able to divide and scrutinize.
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (...a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition...): Used alongside **soul**, **spirit** refers to the other core component of the immaterial person. The ability of God's Word to divide "soul and spirit" parallels its ability to divide "joints and marrow," showing its total reach.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3452}}` is derived entirely from its powerful context in [[Hebrews 4:12]].
* **Ultimate Penetration:** By representing the innermost substance of the bone, **marrow** is used to teach that nothing is hidden from the Word of God. It can reach and expose the very core of our being.
* **Comprehensive Discernment:** The passage places the physical pair "joints and **marrow**" alongside the spiritual pair "soul and spirit." This demonstrates that God's Word discerns every part of a person, both the physical and the immaterial.
* **Revealing the Heart:** The verse concludes that the Word is a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" [[Hebrews 4:12]]. The ability to pierce to the **marrow** is a metaphor for this ultimate, internal judgment of a person's deepest motivations.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3452}}` is a highly specific anatomical term that takes on immense theological significance in its single biblical use. As **marrow**, it symbolizes the most profound and secret parts of human existence. Its context in [[Hebrews 4:12]] uses it to illustrate the absolute and penetrating power of the Word of God, which can divide and discern not only the soul and spirit but also the very joints and **marrow**, revealing the true thoughts and intents of the heart.
TRV