… and of Joints and Marrow

In describing the power and action of the Word of God, Hebrews 4:12 contains one reference to the physical:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Marrow, as we know, is the soft substance found in the interior of bones, and it’s the substance in which blood cells are produced. Joints are the links between bones. Unlike the spirit and soul, joint and marrow are easily distinguishable to the human eye—it takes nothing special to identify the differences between the two. And separating them is quite possible. A sharp, two-edged sword would do it.

Yet, distinguishing between soul and spirit requires something more—it requires the light—and cutting edge—of the Word of God.

Watchman Nee describes it this way:

Joints and marrow are embedded deeply in the human body. To separate the joints is to cut across the bones; to divide the marrow is to crack the bones. The two-edged sword is able to work thus in our mystical body. Only two things are harder to be divided than the joints and marrow ; the soul and spirit. No sword, however sharp, can divide them. Even so we are wholly unable to distinguish between what is soul and what is spirit. Yet the Scripture tells us how the Living Word can do the job, for it is sharper than any two-edged sword. God's Word is living, operative, and able to penetrate and divide. It is the soul and spirit of man which are thus penetrated and divided.

Additionally, the Amplified translation of this verse includes a clarifier after “joints and marrow”; namely, “the deepest parts of our nature”.  Just as physically, joints and marrow are deep within us, so spiritually, the division of spirit and soul requires a deep cut that only the Word of God can do.

The Dividing Line of Soul and Spirit

The Dividing Line of Soul and Spirit…

Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God pierces even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit. The Amplified translates this as “penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit."

What does this mean—the dividing line of soul and spirit?

The word translated “soul” is psyche. BlueLetterBible.org (a great study tool) shows this word is used in the Bible as follows:

Strong’s Concordance defines the word as “breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentiment principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from … the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from … mere vitality, even of plants.” 

This word, Strong’s notes, exactly corresponds to the Hebrew word nephesh, which is used in Scripture to mean “soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion … the inner being of a man … seat of appetites … seat of emotions and passions, activity of mind … activity of the will.”  This word means bodily or mental appetites—our emotions, our mental reasoning.

Meanwhile, the word translated “spirit” is pneuma, and this is the same word used to denote the Holy Spirit as well as the spirit in man. Its biblical usage is as follows:

And Strong’s Concordance defines the word as “current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:—ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.”

The word pneuma is from the word pneo, which means “to breathe hard, i.e. breeze:—blow”

As you can see, it can be difficult in our rational minds (soul) to distinguish between soul and spirit. Both the soul (psyche) and spirit (pneuma) are eternal—unlike our physical bodies which decay and return to dust. But the soul and spirit are not the same. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, for example, notes the distinction (emphasis added): “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In his study guide on Hebrews 4, Pastor David Guzik puts it this way:

Certainly, there is some distinction between soul and spirit. "The New Testament use of pneuma for the human spirit focuses on the spiritual aspect of man, i.e. his life in relation to God, whereas psycherefers to man's life irrespective of his spiritual experience, i.e. his life in relation to himself, his emotions and thought. There is a strong antithesis between the two in the theology of Paul." (Guthrie)

But the stress of this passage isn't to spell out a theology of the difference between soul and spirit….  

However, it is important to understand what the Bible means when it speaks of and makes a distinction with soul and spirit. The Bible tells us that people have an "inner" and an "outer" nature (Genesis 2:7, 2 Corinthians 4:16). The inner man is described by both the terms spirit (Acts 7:59, Matthew 26:41, John 4:23-24) and soul (1 Peter 2:11, Hebrews 6:19, Hebrews 10:39). These two terms are often used synonymously, but not always. We can say that soul seems to focus more on individuality and life (often being defined as the mind, the will, and the emotions). The spirit seems to focus more on supernatural power and life in an individual….  

Because the soul and spirit both have reference to the "inner man," they are easily confused. Often an experience which only "blesses" the soul is supposed to be something which builds up the spirit. There is nothing wrong with "soulish" excitement and blessing, but there is nothing in it that builds us up spiritually. That is why many Christians go from one exciting experience to another but never really grow spiritually - the ministry they receive is "soulish." This is why the Word of God is so powerful and precise; it can pierce even to the division of soul and spirit, which isn't easy to do.

Here’s the amazing truth Hebrews 4:12 conveys: The Word of God cuts deep and exposes and distinguishes a diving line between soul and spirit—even when we in our rational minds are unable to do so.

This is why it is so critical that we follow the Word over our own understanding, reasoning, emotions, and even our own wills.

The Word - It Pierces Us

In previous posts, we’ve seen the Word of God is alive, active, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. But what are swords intended to do? Pierce. And yes, this powerful Word that is the life-force of our faith and the person of Jesus Christ pierces us—deeply and eternally.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

The Amplified translation offers even more insight into the word meanings here:

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

The word translated "pierce" or "penetrate" is diikneomai, which means "to go through, to reach through; i.e. penetrate--pierce". It comes from two words: dia, meaning "through" and hikanos, which has the meaning of competent, ample, or sufficient, or enough. Hebrews 4:12 is the only place in Scripture where the word dikkneomai appears.

What does the Word of God pierce? The KJV says "even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." And the Amplified further explains "the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

This implies that in our very core and nature, there are things that need exposing—things that need to be brought to light; intentions, thoughts, desires, purposes. And these things can be exposes and understood not through our own reasoning but only through the Word of God.

Psalm 119:130 tells us the entrance of God’s words brings light. Light is a beautiful thing, but it exposes bad and good alike. Shine light into a dark place, and you'll see things you want to see--and things you don't.

In the next post, we'll dive into some of the things the Word of God exposes as is pierces us to the core.

The Word - Sharper Than any Two-Edged Sword

Do you remember the Ginsu knife infomercials? This miracle knife could supposedly cut through pretty much anything. Who knows if it actually worked, but the message from the ad was clear: this knife is sharp and durable.

Well, Scripture tells us in Hebrews 4:12 that the Word of God is "sharper than any two-edged sword".

Interestingly, the Greek word translated "sharper" -- tomos -- appears just once in Scripture. Strong's Concordance says this word is more comprehensive and decisive than another word used in Scripture (kopto, which, in essence, means to cut, strike, smite, or chop). Whereas kopto "implies repeated blows, like hacking", tomos, implies "as if by a single stroke".  In other words, the Word of God can cut through immediately and fully--just one stroke needed.

And it cuts deeper than anything else--not to destroy but to expose and sift and discern between soul and spirit and the deepest intents and thoughts of our heart...but more on that in an upcoming post.

The idea of the Word as sharp shouldn't surprise us. Scripture also tells us in Ephesians 6:18 that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit.

In Revelation 1:12-16, we read John's description of Jesus--the Son of man, the Alpha and Omega:

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (emphasis added)

When we're talking about the Word of God, we're not talking about mere sayings, statements, letters on a page, or niceties. We're talking about something powerful, alive, effective, active, dynamic. At our peril do we treat it lightly or deem it less than it is. It is the Word of God, the person of Jesus, the logos, which, implanted in us, has the power to save our souls (James 1:21).

The Word - Quick & Powerful

Understanding that the Word of God is both the spoken word and the person of Jesus Christ, what are some of the characteristics of the Word, as described in Hebrews 4:12.

The King James Version says the Word is "quick and powerful." The Amplified Version expands on this and explains the Word is "alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing and effective]."

Let's look at the original Greek words used in this verse. (H/t to www.blueletterbible.org, an exceptional study tool).

"Quick" is translated from zao, which means "to live". It's used in Scripture to convey ideas including "to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead);" "having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul;" "active, powerful, efficacious".

"Powerful" comes from energes, meaning "active, operative, effective, powerful." This in turn comes from en, meaning "in, by, with, etc." and ergon, which has the idea of "to work".

So, when we read the Word is "quick and powerful," this means the Word is alive, active, having power in itself, and at work".

It's no accident that God used the Word to create the earth we see (and that this Word is defined as Jesus in John 1). It's no accident that this Word became flesh. It's no accident that this Word is called the "word of life" in Philippians 2:16. It's no accident that Ephesians 6:17 says this Word is the "sword of the Spirit" (or, in the Amplified translation, "the sword that the Spirit wields"). It's no accident that this word "endures forever" (1 Peter 1:23-25).

Let's resolve never again to view the Word of God as something passive or as a 'dead letter'. This Word is literally able to "save our souls" (James 1:21).

The Word - The Person of Christ

One of my favorite verses is Hebrews 4:12:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

I particularly love the Amplified translation:.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

But what exactly does this mean? Why should we care so much that the Word of God is alive and powerful--and able to cut to the core of us and sift through our thoughts and intents?

Put simply, the Word is Jesus - not just what He says, but WHO He is. The Word of God and the person of Jesus are one.

The text translated "word" in this verse is logos. This is the same word used in John 1:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 

...And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

In other words, when we read in Genesis 1:1 that God spoke the earth into existence, His spoken Word was the second member of the Trinity: Jesus Christ.

This is the Word that became flesh.

This is the Word that is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.

The Word cannot be separated from Christ.

...more to come. 

"But Daniel purposed in his heart...."

If you want to find a story common to just about every children's Sunday School class, just look up the account of Daniel in the lions' den.

As Scripture tells us, Darius the Mede, king of Babylon, had issued a decree that no one in his kingdom could pray to any god or man, save Darius, for 30 days. The penalty for disobeying? Become finger-food for a den of hungry lions. As we know, Daniel refused to bow his knee to the king, and instead continued his regular prayers to the God of Israel. But when he was tossed to the lions, instead of facing gnashing teeth, he met closed mouths.

The next morning, he said to Darius--who, incidentally, was probably a bit shocked to see an intact Daniel--"My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me... " (Daniel 6:22a).

Here we see a marvelous display of God's power. But to understand why Daniel would chose death over bowing to a false god, we have to go back to chapter 1. Specifically, verse 8: "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself...."

This particular verse is talking about the foods Daniel would or would not eat, based on Old Testament law. But the point is Daniel's heart was already set. Just as Isaiah writes--"I have set my face like a flint" (Isaiah 50:7)--Daniel had already determined in his heart that he would worship only one God. He didn't wait until King Darius' decree came down and then spend three hours trying to decide whether or not he would obey God or man. No, Daniel "purposed in his heart"--long before the moment of action came.

The word "purpose" in verse 8 is from the Hebrew word suwm. Strong's concordance defines this word as "to put". In Scripture, it is used to convey "to put, place, set, appoint, make" and also "to ordain, establish ... determine, fix".

Daniel's heart was fixed, established, set in place. So when the crisis of choosing came, it was no crisis at all--Daniel had already made his decision.

In Joshua 24:15, we read, "And if it seem evil until you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whose ye will serve...."

This one choice of what we "fix" our hearts on will determine how we respond to the thousands of  choices that will bombard us in life.

We can choose to be, as Ephesians 4:14 describes, "children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."

Or, with the Psalmist, we can say "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast" (Psalm 57:7).

May we choose to have a purposed heart.