Sword

Sword - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the girdle (Ex. 32:27; 1 Sam. 31:4; 1 Chr. 21:27; Ps. 149:6: Prov. 5:4; Ezek. 16:40; 21:3-5).

It is a symbol of divine chastisement (Deut. 32:25; Ps. 7:12; 78:62), and of a slanderous tongue (Ps. 57:4; 64:3; Prov. 12:18). The word of God is likened also to a sword (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17; Rev. 1:16). Gideon's watchword was, "The sword of the Lord" (Judg. 7:20).

Sword - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

SWORD, n.

1. An offensive weapon worn at the side, and used by hand either for thrusting or cutting.

2. Figuratively, destruction by war.

I will bring a sword upon you. Lev 26. Isa 51.

3. Vengeance or justice.

She quits the balance, and resigns the sword.

4. Emblem of authority and power.

The ruler--beareth not the sword in vain. Rom 13.

5. War; dissension.

I came not to send peace, but a sword. Mat 10.

6. Emblem of triumph and protection.

The Lord--the sword of thy excellence. Deu 33.

sord.

See ARMOR, III, 5.

Definition

A sword is a flat-bladed metal weapon used to cut or stab. It has a handle and a long, pointed blade with a very sharp cutting edge.

• In ancient times the length of a sword’s blade was about 60 to 91 centimeters.
• Some swords have two sharp edges and are called “double-edged” or “two-edged” swords.
• Jesus’ disciples had swords for self defense. With his sword, Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.
• Both John the Baptist and the apostle James were beheaded with swords.

Translation Suggestions

• A sword is used as a metaphor for God’s word. God’s teachings in the Bible exposed people’s innermost thoughts and convicted them of their sin. In a similar way, a sword cuts deeply, causing pain. (See: Metaphor)
• One way to translate this figurative use would be, “God’s word is like a sword, which cuts deeply and exposes sin.”
• Another figurative use of this term occurred in the book of Psalms, where the tongue or speech of a person was compared to a sword, which can injure people. This could be translated as “the tongue is like a sword that can badly injure someone.”
• If swords are not known in your culture, this word could be translated with the name of another long-bladed weapon that is used to cut or stab.
• A sword could also be described as a “sharp weapon” or “long knife.” Some translations could include a picture of a sword.

(See also: How to Translate Unknowns)

(See also: James (brother of Jesus), John (the Baptist), tongue, word of God)

Bible References

• Acts 12:2
• Genesis 27:40
• Genesis 34:25
• Luke 2:33-35
• Luke 21:24
• Matthew 10:34
• Matthew 26:55
• Revelation 1:16

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0019, H1300, H2719, H4380, H6609, H7524, H7973, G31620, G45010