Hebrews 4:12-13: The Word of God Is Quick, and Powerful
2022-10-15
Hebrews 4:12
This is a famous verse that has bibliological and anthropological significance. Many quote it for both of those reasons. However, it is often quoted without any consideration of its context. First, we shall see the theological significance of this verse and the following one. Then we will consider the context.
The Word of God can mean either the Scriptures or the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Most likely, this refers to the Scriptures itself, but it would not be wrong to think of it as the Lord, for He says, “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works” (Revelation 2:23). The same thing is said about the Word of God here.
When we say the word is “quick,” this has nothing to do with speed. Elsewhere, it is translated “living” or “alive.” The Bible is not a book like a novel or a history book. It is alive. The Bible is like if you took the Lord Jesus Christ and represented Him in written word. You cannot separate God from His Word. The Scriptures were literally spoken from the mouth of God. His judgments are there. By His Word He shall judge every person.
The Word of God is also “powerful.” The Greek word looks like the word for energy. It is translated as “effectual” in two other places, only being in the Bible three times. Since the Word of God is alive, it also is active and puts things into effect. It generates faith in the unregenerate and condemns those who reject it.
The Word of God is also “sharper than any twoedged sword.” The Word of God cuts. When the Word of God was preached at Pentecost, the people there “were pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37). When Paul was on the road to Damascus, Jesus told the Pharisee, “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:5). All that time studying the Word as an unbeliever, Paul was being goaded by the Word that Jesus was the Christ. It also cuts the other way, when people were hardened, being “cut to the heart” (Acts 5:33; 7:54). See how it cuts like a twoedged sword?
The description that follows shows that this glorious sword also acts as a scalpel. It makes delicate incisions, dividing things that are difficult to separate. One example is the soul and spirit, and the other is the joints and marrow.
Clearly, the first example is spiritual. You cannot take a literal sword and separate these things. They are the immaterial part of a human being. The body, soul, and spirit are considered the three parts. A three-part discussion on the anthropological aspects of these are found here, here, and here.
The Word of God, being living, effective, and cutting, it also discerns, namely the thoughts and intents of our hearts. You can put on a show of great faith, but God knows every thought and intent that we have. He cannot be fooled. That is why He warned of all the showiness of fasting or giving of alms in the Sermon on the Mount. Our intent would be to show off for others’ praise. However, if we do good works in secret, that truly shows faith, because no one will give us the accolades.
Hebrews 4:13
Moreover, there is no class of beings that can hide from the Word of God. This is the omniscience, omnipresence, and transcendence of God. We think we can hide from God in our innermost thoughts. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Psalms 14:1). We say this is about atheists and joke that April 1 is National Atheists’ Day. But really, this applies to anyone who thinks they can hide from God, either in his thoughts or presence, or whatever it may be. The same verse says “there is none that doeth good.” We kid ourselves. We are the foolish ones. We cannot hide from the Almighty. He knows our past, present, and future.
All things are fully exposed to God. Consider Psalm 139. This psalm shows how comprehensive the knowledge of the Lord is, beginning with David, what he is doing and thinking, from the day of his conception. God knows the depths of the universe (from heaven to hell) and the breadth of it. Darkness does not hide anything, and He will destroy the wicked, because He knows them all. David concludes with a prayer that the Lord would reveal secret sins to him, because God knows David better than David knows himself! This is the knowledge of God.
In context: Knowing that nothing can be hid from God, this means that God knows who truly has entered into His rest. He knows the truly saved. He looks past all the exterior performance and even the innermost thoughts. He knows who is truly born again and who isn’t. You cannot dodge the sword of the Word of God and hide from His eyes.