Lexical Summary tomos: Sharp Original Word: τομός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sharper. Comparative of a derivative of the primary temno (to cut; more comprehensive or decisive than kopto, as if by a single stroke; whereas that implies repeated blows, like hacking); more keen -- sharper. see GREEK kopto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. word temnó (to cut) Definition sharp NASB Translation sharper (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5114: τομώτεροςτομώτερος, τομωτερα, τομωτερον (comparitive from τομός cutting, sharp, and this from τέμνω), sharper: Hebrews 4:12 ((Pseudo-)Phocylid. verse 116 ((Gnom. Poet. Graec. edition Brunck, p. 116)) ὅπλον τοι λόγος ἀνδρί τομωτερον ἐστι σιδήρου; add, Timon in Athen. 10, p. 445e.; Lucian, Tox. 11). Topical Lexicon Usage in Scripture Hebrews 4:12 employs τομώτερος to present the Word of God as “living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Berean Standard Bible). The comparative form, “sharper,” stresses supremacy: no instrument of human forging can match the spiritual precision of Scripture. Biblical Imagery of Sharpness 1. Penetration and division: The verse pictures Scripture acting like a surgeon’s scalpel, reaching the innermost parts of a person (Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23). Historical Context In the first-century Greco-Roman world, a two-edged μάχαιρα was prized for its capability to cut both ways with minimal effort. By claiming Scripture is “sharper,” the writer of Hebrews elevates God’s Word above the most advanced weapons of the day, assuring persecuted believers that divine revelation is their ultimate resource. Theological Significance • Divine life and energy: Unlike static human writings, the inspired Word “lives” (Psalm 119:93) and “works” (Isaiah 55:11). Ministerial Applications 1. Preaching and teaching: Faithful exposition relies on Scripture’s intrinsic sharpness rather than rhetorical flourish (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Illustrations from Church History • Early apologists such as Justin Martyr cited Hebrews 4:12 when confronting pagan philosophies, trusting Scripture’s sharper logic. Related Passages on the Cutting Edge of God’s Word Deuteronomy 32:41; Psalm 45:3-5; Proverbs 30:5; Isaiah 49:2; Hosea 6:5; Luke 2:35; Revelation 1:16. Practical Exhortations for Believers • Approach Scripture expecting surgery, not merely information. Summary τομώτερος underscores the peerless, penetrating potency of God’s written revelation. By presenting the Bible as sharper than earth’s finest blades, Hebrews 4:12 calls every generation to submit to, rely on, and proclaim the Word that alone can lay bare the heart and bring life. Forms and Transliterations ετόξευσαν ετόξευσε τομωτερος τομώτερος τόξευμα τοξεύμασι τοξεύμασιν τοξεύματα τοξεύματά τοξεύματι τοξεύματος τοξευμάτων τοξεύοντες τοξεύσατε τοξεύσει τόξευσον τοξεύσουσιν tomoteros tomōteros tomṓterosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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