comparative of a derivative of the primary (to cut; more comprehensive or decisive than κόπτω, as if by a single stroke; whereas that implies repeated blows, like hacking); more keen:--sharper.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tomṓteros**, represented by `{{G5114}}`, means **sharper**. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 verse in the entire Bible. The word is derived from a primary term meaning "to cut," and its comparative form suggests a keenness that is more decisive, as if by a single stroke rather than repeated hacking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G5114}}` is in [[Hebrews 4:12]], where it is used to describe the nature of the **word** `{{G3056}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}`. The verse states that God's word is "quick, and powerful, and **sharper** than any twoedged sword." This intense sharpness is illustrated by its ability to pierce and divide the innermost parts of a person, including the **soul** `{{G5590}}` and **spirit** `{{G4151}}`, and even the physical **joints** `{{G719}}` and **marrow** `{{G3452}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its only context, [[Hebrews 4:12]], illuminate the meaning of `{{G5114}}`:
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos** (word): This is the subject being described as **sharper**. It refers to something said or a divine expression [[John 1:1]].
* `{{G1366}}` **dístomos** (twoedged): The word of God is **sharper** than any **twoedged** sword, establishing a superlative degree of cutting power.
* `{{G1338}}` **diïknéomai** (pierce): This is the action that the sharpness of the word accomplishes, defined as to penetrate or reach through.
* `{{G2924}}` **kritikós** (discerner): The ultimate purpose of this sharpness is to be a **discerner**, or one that is decisive and discriminative, of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5114}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful use. It conveys the incisive and revelatory nature of God's word.
* **Active Power:** The word of God is not static; it is described as **quick** `{{G2198}}`, or living, and **powerful** `{{G1756}}`, meaning active and operative. Its sharpness is an attribute of this living power [[Hebrews 4:12]].
* **Ultimate Penetration:** Its sharpness allows it to **pierce** `{{G1338}}` and divide things that are intimately connected, both immaterially (**soul** and **spirit**) and physically (**joints** and **marrow**), signifying that nothing is hidden from it [[Hebrews 4:12]].
* **Moral and Mental Discernment:** The purpose of this sharpness is not destruction but discernment. It acts as a **discerner** `{{G2924}}` that exposes the deepest parts of the human mind, separating the **thoughts** `{{G1761}}` from the **intents** `{{G1771}}` of the **heart** `{{G2588}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5114}}` **tomṓteros** provides a vivid and singular metaphor for the power of the **word** `{{G3056}}` of **God** `{{G2316}}`. Though appearing only once, its use in [[Hebrews 4:12]] is profound, describing a sharpness that surpasses any physical blade. This quality enables the word of God to be living and powerful, penetrating the deepest recesses of human nature to discern the very thoughts and intents of the heart. It emphasizes that no part of a person, whether soul, spirit, or motive, is beyond the reach of divine truth.
TRV