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Hebrews 4:12

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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.

For {G1063} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} is quick {G2198}, and {G2532} powerful {G1756}, and {G2532} sharper {G5114} than {G5228} any {G3956} twoedged {G1366} sword {G3162}, piercing {G1338} even to {G891} the dividing asunder {G3311} of soul {G5590} and {G5037}{G2532} spirit {G4151}, and {G5037}{G2532} of the joints {G719} and {G2532} marrow {G3452}, and {G2532} is a discerner {G2924} of the thoughts {G1761} and {G2532} intents {G1771} of the heart {G2588}.

See, the Word of God is alive! It is at work and is sharper than any double-edged sword — it cuts right through to where soul meets spirit and joints meet marrow, and it is quick to judge the inner reflections and attitudes of the heart.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Commentary

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

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.

Context and Meaning

This powerful verse follows a warning in Hebrews 4 about the danger of unbelief and disobedience, urging believers to strive to enter God's rest. It highlights the nature and function of God's word as the means by which He examines and judges humanity, particularly their response to His promises.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Living Nature of God's Word: Unlike human words or historical texts, God's word is described as "quick" (meaning living or alive). It is not static but active and dynamic.
  • The Power and Effectiveness: It is "powerful" (effective, active), capable of accomplishing God's purposes.
  • The Penetrating Judgment: It is "sharper than any twoedged sword," capable of piercing the deepest parts of a person – reaching beyond the physical ("joints and marrow") to the spiritual and inner self ("soul and spirit"). This imagery emphasizes its ability to expose hidden motives and inner realities.
  • Discernment of the Heart: The word of God acts as a "discerner" (or judge/critic) of our innermost "thoughts and intents." It reveals what is truly in our hearts, separating truth from falsehood, and exposing our genuine motives before God.

Linguistic Insight

The word translated "quick" is the Greek word zaó (ζάω), which means "to live" or "living." The word translated "powerful" is energēs (ἐνεργής), from which we get the English word "energetic," meaning active, effective, or operative. The word translated "discerner" is kritikos (κριτικός), meaning "able to discern, judge, or criticize." These terms emphasize the dynamic, effective, and critically revealing nature of God's word.

Cross-reference

Compare the power of God's word with its description as the "sword of the Spirit" in Ephesians 6:17.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that engaging with God's word is not a passive activity. It actively confronts us, reveals our true condition before God, and calls us to honest self-examination regarding our faith and obedience. It is a tool for conviction, growth, and guidance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 23:29 (179 votes)

    [Is] not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer [that] breaketh the rock in pieces?

  • Isaiah 55:11 (165 votes)

    So 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.

  • Ephesians 6:17 (101 votes)

    And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

  • Psalms 119:130 (99 votes)

    ¶ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

  • 1 Peter 1:23 (77 votes)

    Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

  • Isaiah 49:2 (76 votes)

    And 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;

  • Revelation 1:16 (61 votes)

    And 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.