Hebrews 4:12-13
KJV: For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and SHARPER than any two edged 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. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
NCV: God’s word is alive and working and is SHARPER than a double-edged SWORD. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is clear and lies open before Him, and to Him we must explain the way we have lived.
The Word of God is a sharp sword that cuts into our innermost being. It means that the Word of God has the power to judge us. The Word of God is a discerner. God is a person, who discerns and He can see everything. Reading or studying the Word of God helps us to see clearly whether our thoughts and motives are spiritual or fleshly. The Sword, like the Word of God, has two sharp sides, (1) either cutting to save our lives or (2) judging us unto eternal death. Jesus Himself explains that the Spirit gives life and the Word that He speaks is life. The flesh doesn’t give life [John 6:63]. Jesus Himself said what will judge us in the last day is His word [John 12:48].
The meaning of the words:
Discern= 1. to perceive; see clearly; distinguish; recognize.
Discerner= A person who discerns.
Perceive= 1. to understand 2. be aware of through senses; see, hear, taste, smell, or feel.
Distinguish= 1. tell apart 2. see or show the difference.3. separate into different groups. In another word, show the difference between things.
The meaning of the words might help us to understand the purposes of the Word of God, the discerner. It is important to ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds to grasp the meaning of Heb. 4:12-13. If you remember John 15:1-2, it explains that God, the Father is the gardener and He cuts off every branch that does not produce fruit. He trims and cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. Notice the words, “He cuts, He trims and He cleans our branches.” Why? God wants to make more fruits in our lives [Galatians 5:22-24]. Gal. 5:16-26 is an example what Paul was teaching the Christians to know the difference between The Spirit and the human nature. So Paul’s teaching the Word of God is like a sword cutting off the “fleshly problem” and to bring more fruits in their lives. May God richly bless you.
