### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **rhomphaía**, represented by `{{G4501}}`, is defined as a sabre or a long and broad cutlass, used to refer to a **sword** both literally and figuratively. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in highly symbolic contexts of judgment and authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4501}}` is used almost exclusively in a figurative or symbolic capacity. Its most prominent appearances are in the book of Revelation, where it is described as a **sharp** `{{G3691}}` **twoedged** `{{G1366}}` **sword** that proceeds from the **mouth** `{{G4750}}` of a divine figure, symbolizing his authority and power to judge ([[Revelation 1:16]], [[Revelation 2:12]]). This **sword** is the weapon used to **smite** `{{G3960}}` the nations [[Revelation 19:15]] and to **slay** `{{G615}}` the unrighteous [[Revelation 19:21]]. The one literal application is in Luke, where a prophecy declares that a **sword** will **pierce through** `{{G1330}}` Mary's soul, signifying immense grief [[Luke 2:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and function of **rhomphaía**:
* `{{G3691}}` **oxýs** (sharp, swift): This adjective is frequently used to describe the **sword** `{{G4501}}`, emphasizing its keen and effective nature as an instrument of judgment [[Revelation 19:15]].
* `{{G4170}}` **poleméō** (to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e. to battle): This verb defines the purpose of the **sword** from the mouth, which is to **fight** against those who need to repent [[Revelation 2:16]].
* `{{G1330}}` **diérchomai** (to traverse... pierce through): This word describes the action of the **sword** in its most personal, figurative sense. It is used not for battle, but to illustrate how sorrow will **pierce through** a person's soul [[Luke 2:35]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4501}}` is significant, particularly in eschatological and christological contexts.
* **The Sword as Divine Word and Judgment:** The most prominent use of `{{G4501}}` is as a **sharp** `{{G3691}}`, **twoedged** `{{G1366}}` **sword** proceeding from the **mouth** `{{G4750}}` of Christ. This imagery directly links the spoken word of God with the power to judge and **smite** `{{G3960}}` the nations ([[Revelation 1:16]], [[Revelation 19:15]]).
* **An Instrument of Consequence:** The **sword** is one of the devastating judgments unleashed by the rider on the pale horse, whose name is **Death** `{{G2288}}`. It is used to **kill** `{{G615}}` a portion of the earth, alongside **hunger** `{{G3042}}` and **beasts** `{{G2342}}`, representing severe divine consequence [[Revelation 6:8]].
* **A Symbol of Piercing Sorrow:** In a unique and personal application, the term is used to represent profound emotional pain. The prophecy that a **sword** would **pierce through** `{{G1330}}` Mary's soul illustrates that the word can describe not just physical death, but also the deepest forms of human suffering [[Luke 2:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4501}}` **rhomphaía** is a potent word representing a large **sword**. While its literal meaning is a weapon, its biblical usage is almost entirely figurative. It serves as a primary symbol in Revelation for the judging Word of God that comes from Christ's **mouth** `{{G4750}}`, and as a metaphor for the intense, soul-piercing sorrow experienced in life [[Luke 2:35]]. It illustrates how a physical object can be used in Scripture to convey profound theological concepts of authority, judgment, and suffering.
TRV