Lexical Summary diikneomai: To penetrate, to reach through Original Word: διϊκνέομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pierce. From dia and the base of hikanos; to reach through, i.e. Penetrate -- pierce. see GREEK dia see GREEK hikanos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and the same as hikanos Definition to go through, penetrate NASB Translation piercing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1338: διϊκνέομαιδιϊκνέομαι (L WH διϊκνέομαι. (see Iota)), διικνοῦμαι; to go through, penetrate, pierce: Hebrews 4:12. (Exodus 26:28; Thucydides, Theophrastus, Plutarch, others; in Homer transitively, to go through in narrating.) Topical Lexicon Word Family and Conceptual Scope Strong’s Greek 1338 (διϊκνέομαι) conveys the action of penetrating, passing clean through, or reaching the innermost parts of a thing. The verb suggests a movement that does not stop at the surface but travels unhindered to the deepest core. In Scripture it functions metaphorically, describing the action of God’s word upon the inner life. Scriptural Usage Hebrews 4:12 is the sole New Testament occurrence: “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.” (Hebrews 4:12) The participle “pierces” (διικνούμενος) embodies a vivid picture of the Word’s unstoppable reach into all facets of human existence—psychological (“soul”), spiritual (“spirit”), physical (“joints and marrow”), and moral (“thoughts and intentions”). Historical and Cultural Background The imagery evokes the finely honed, two-edged Roman gladius, renowned for its ability to thrust straight through armor. By paralleling the Word of God with such a weapon, the author assures first-century readers that divine revelation is neither blunt nor outdated but perfectly suited to cut through every defense of the human heart. Theological Significance 1. Omniscient Penetration: The verb affirms that no layer of the human person is impervious to God’s scrutiny (compare Psalm 139:1-4). Links to Other Biblical “Sword” Texts Although 1338 appears only in Hebrews, the penetrating nature of God’s word resonates with: Together these passages form a canonical motif: God’s utterance is a weapon that never fails to reach its target. Implications for Ministry • Preaching and Teaching: Confidence rests not in rhetorical skill but in Scripture’s inherent power to pierce consciences (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Practical Reflection Believers are called to submit to this penetrating work rather than resist it (Hebrews 4:13). Regular, prayerful exposure to Scripture invites the Spirit to wield the sword, separating truth from self-deception, and shaping Christlike character. Forms and Transliterations διικνείσθω διϊκνείτο διικνουμενος διικνούμενος διϊκνούμενος diiknoumenos diiknoúmenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 4:12 V-PPM/P-NMSGRK: δίστομον καὶ διικνούμενος ἄχρι μερισμοῦ NAS: sword, and piercing as far KJV: sword, piercing even to INT: two-edged even penetrating as far as [the] division |
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