Bible Truth 4: Hebrew 4:12 {373 words}

BT4: Hebrew 4:12 affirms: "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Does this verse:

a. Teach that man is trichotomous, since it speaks of a division of soul and spirit? No. The author is not talking about a dissecting of the body. The author is unknown, but the Apostle Paul or the Physician Luke is a logical choice. The audience is the Christians that are being influenced by unbelieving Jews back to Judaism. The purpose of the Epistle is to teach that Jesus is the Messiah and true God.

b. Teach that the truth contained in God's Word is dynamic and changing rather than dead and static? The Greek word for "quick" is "zao" and means to have life and be active. The Greek word for "powerful" is "energes" and means active. The Greek word for "sharper" is "tomoteros," and this word means sharper. The image of sharper is similar to cutting something in two with a single, swift stroke.

c. Give a warning to professing believers? The author is giving a warning to professing believers. He indicates in Verse Six that the former people to whom the Scriptures were preached did not enter into God's rest because of their unbelief. He says in Verse Thirteen that all creatures will be manifested. Manifest comes from the Greek work "aphanes" which means not manifest or hidden. Therefore, the author is saying that no creature will be hidden from the Lord. It is as though we are all naked before Him. But in Verses Fourteen and Fifteen, he writes that we have a high priest who was tempted in all points just as we, but was without sin. In Verse Sixteen, the author indicates that we can boldly approach Him and obtain grace and mercy.

d. Encourage Christians to use the Word of God aggressively in their witnessing and counseling? No. This passage is about finding grace and mercy and entering into God's rest.

e. None of the above? (b) and (c) seem to be the correct answers.

Tom of Bethany

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