The Roman soldier’s gladius was a double-edged sword used for stabbing and slashing. It was highly effective in its day. The metaphor describing God’s word as a double-edged sword is made several times in Scripture. Some references are explicit, others implied, but all together they show something about God’s word that’s poignant.
how Scripture answers "How is the word of God a double-edged sword?"
God’s word is just like a double-edged sword1,2,3,13 in that it convicts the believer while at the same time condemning the unbeliever2,5,6,7,10,11,12. It penetrates the soul4,8,11 and is the only means by which God’s will is known6. The word of God, or “sword of the Spirit”1, subsequently becomes the Christian’s sole offensive, proactive weapon for confronting sin and evil1,4.
the answer above is built on and footnoted with the following scripture-blocks
Leave your comment below…
…and if you’re wondering more about what we’re doing and why, here are some links we hope can help explain it (and maybe even get you excited about contributing):
- the Bible Study Framework and scripture-blocks
our format and the anatomy of a question
the Bible study standard that we follow
- our top four obstacles to letting scripture interpret scripture
related to 'How is the word of God a double-edged sword?'
lend your own study to the discussion
PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY
While your email is required, it will not be posted publically.
All comments are vetted for potential spam before being published, but will not be restricted otherwise.