Lexical Summary distomos: Double-edged, two-mouthed Original Word: δίστομος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance with two edges, two-edged. From dis and stoma; double-edged -- with two edges, two-edged. see GREEK dis see GREEK stoma HELPS Word-studies 1366 dístomos – properly, two-mouthed (having two edges), like a "two-edged" sword with both sides of the blade sharpened to an edge; (figuratively) what penetrates at every point of contact, coming in or going out. [A two-edged sword is an ideal defensive-offensive weapon and was known as "a drinker of blood" (Souter).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dis and stoma Definition double-mouthed, two-edged NASB Translation two-edged (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1366: δίστομοςδίστομος, δίστομον (δίς and στόμα), having a double mouth, as a river, Polybius 34, 10, 5; (ὁδοί i. e. branching, Sophocles O. C. 900). As στόμα is used of the edge of a sword and of other weapons, so δίστομος has the meaning two-edged: used of a sword in Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12, and according to Schott in Topical Lexicon Imagery and MeaningStrong’s Greek 1366 (δίστομος) literally denotes “two-mouthed,” an idiom for a blade honed on both sides. Scripturally, the “double-edged sword” is a vivid symbol of penetrating power, decisive judgment, comprehensive reach, and unassailable authority. A single-edged weapon cuts in one direction; a double-edged blade cuts whichever way it is swung. In biblical usage the figure underscores the inescapable thoroughness of divine truth and justice. Biblical Occurrences Hebrews 4:12 sets the pattern: “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword”. Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:12 transfer the same metaphor directly to the exalted Christ, from whose mouth the sword proceeds. Thus the term embraces both the spoken word of God and the person of the Word made flesh, linking message and Messenger in inseparable unity. Theological Significance 1. Authority. A two-edged blade symbolizes perfect sufficiency. God’s word never requires human supplementation; it already “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Christological Application Revelation presents Jesus Christ, the glorified Son of Man, wielding the sharp double-edged sword. The vision assures persecuted believers that ultimate vindication rests in Him. The sword “out of His mouth” underscores: Practical Ministry Application 1. Preaching and Teaching. Since the Word is double-edged, faithful exposition must cut sin while healing saints. Ephesians 6:17 calls believers to “take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” urging both defensive discernment and offensive proclamation. Historical Reception Early church fathers identified the double-edged sword with the Old and New Testaments acting in concert. Reformers emphasized sola Scriptura, echoing the sufficiency implied by a blade sharpened on both sides. Throughout revivals and missionary movements, the metaphor fueled assurance that the preached word can penetrate any culture or conscience. Related Biblical Symbolism • Flaming Sword (Genesis 3:24) – guarding holiness. Each points to the ultimate Sword proceeding from Christ, climaxing the motif. Exhortation to the Church Because the Word is “living and active,” believers must approach it with reverence, obedience, and expectancy. To Pergamum, Christ warns, “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth” (Revelation 2:16). Yet the same blade brings comfort: “He sent out His word and healed them” (Psalm 107:20). The church’s mandate is to wield, not blunt, this God-given sword—letting both edges accomplish their gracious work: convicting the world and sanctifying the saints. Forms and Transliterations δίστομοι διστομον δίστομον διστομος δίστομος διστόμου distomon dístomon distomos dístomosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 4:12 Adj-AFSGRK: πᾶσαν μάχαιραν δίστομον καὶ διικνούμενος NAS: than any two-edged sword, and piercing KJV: than any twoedged sword, piercing INT: any sword two-edged even penetrating Revelation 1:16 Adj-NMS Revelation 2:12 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 1366 |
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