Hebrews 4:12 web — For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of s…

World English Bible

"For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

— Hebrews 4:12, World English Bible

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Hebrews 4:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “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.”

  • ASV

    “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. ”

  • NET

    “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.”

  • DRB

    “For the word of God is living and effectual and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow: and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

  • BBE

    “For the word of God is living and full of power, and is sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through and making a division even of the soul and the spirit, the bones and the muscles, and quick to see the thoughts and purposes of the heart.”

  • KJVA

    “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 — Context

9

There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

10

For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his.

11

Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.

12

For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

13

There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14

Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.

15

For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Hebrews 4:12 say?
Hebrews 4:12 in the World English Bible reads: “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Where is Hebrews 4:12 in the Bible?
Hebrews 4:12 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, chapter 4, verse 12.
Who wrote Hebrews?
Hebrews is traditionally attributed to Anonymous. Authorship has been debated since the earliest centuries — candidates include Paul, Apollos, Barnabas, Luke, and Priscilla. The letter itself is anonymous and the most honest answer is that we do not know. It was written c. AD 60–70.
What is the book of Hebrews about?
Hebrews is a sermon-letter showing that everything in the Old Covenant — priests, sacrifices, the tabernacle — pointed to Jesus, who is "better" in every way. It calls a tired church to draw near with confidence, hold fast their hope, and run the race set before them.
What are the major themes of Hebrews?
Hebrews explores themes including Supremacy of Christ, New Covenant, Priesthood, Faith, Perseverance. These themes shape the meaning and context of Hebrews 4:12.
What translation should I read Hebrews 4:12 in?
Hebrews 4:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Hebrews 4:12?
Hebrews 4:12 reads (WEB): “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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