Hebrews 4:12

Since the Bible declares Jesus to be the Word, I have no problem with Hebrews 4:12 referring to Jesus

 

Good point, Joe--I can remember this being taught in our church, often while the pastor was waving a Bible over his head for emphasis.

I took a look at the passage in a few different versions. The NIV translators clearly understood this to be talking about the Bible. If you read it from the KJV or NASB, the meaning is a little more ambiguous. But if you take verse 13 into account, it could support your point. "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight"--manifest in who's sight? Answer: the Word of God, as stated in verse 12.

Greek scholars here on BB: any further insight?

 

It means the Scriptures. Specifically, the Law.

 

I'll admit, that does seem like a possibility. Why should we go with that?

 

Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is quicke and powerfull, and sharper then any two edged sword, pearcing euen to the diuiding asunder of soule and spirit, and of the ioynts and marrowe, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (KJV 1611.)
I would grant you that the Lord Jesus is referred to as the Word in scripture. But the way the verse is worded there: "sharper then any two edged sword." We have, of course, Seen this two edged sword before (Rev. chapter 1), it is was not Jesus Himself, but what came out of His mouth. So, I feel that the two edged sword is God’s spoken (and from our advantage point written) word.

 

12 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.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.​

The word is Logos, the same as in the John 1:1 passage.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.​

If the Logos of Hebrews 4:12 is not Jesus then it is being personified as God Himself in verse 13 and as our high priest in verses 14-16.​

There is at least a very close connection as you have said concerning the sword coming out of His mouth.​

HankD​

 

1. The Word in Hebrews 4:12 is referring to the Scripture---which is alive and active--this is never used of Jesus.

2. Besides, v. 13 tells us exactly that it is the Scripture which is under consideration and not Jesus.

3. Up to verse 12, the writer has been quoting from the OT to substantiate his arguments.

4. The Word is called the Sword of the Spirit in Eph 6:17.

 

One and the same, my freind.

 

I think it's talking about Christ, who works in harmony with the written word. The word here is logos, and I think if we let it have the same meaning as John 1 gives it, it's a good fit. Jesus is the word of God personified (hypostaticly).

 

What prevents us from saying "Jesus" wherever we see logos?

 

Knowing when it doesn't mean Jesus.

 

And you are certain that it means Jesus in Heb 4:12?

 

I believe it is speaking of Jesus Himself, yes

 

Do you know of any commentator or so, who shares your view? This seems to be the minority position.

 

The context. It seems very close to the Johannine Logos as it is used in this passage to me. And I think that it's reasonable to assume that John was not the only one to use logos in that manner. But we all know what happens when we "assume" things, don't we?

 

It is quite evident from John 1 that the logos was Jesus (vv. 1-5, 14). But what are the similarities in Heb 4 to link it to John?

 

Gill:

"Ver. 12. For the word of God is quick and powerful[SIZE=+1],.... This is to be understood of Christ, the essential Word of God; for the Word of God was a known name of the Messiah among the Jews; See Gill on "Joh 1:1"[SIZE=+1] and therefore the apostle makes use of it when writing to them: and the words are introduced as a reason why care should be taken, that men fall not off from the Gospel, because Christ, the author, sum, and substance of it, is the living God, omnipotent and omniscient; for not a thing, but a person is spoken of, who is a Judge, and a critical discerner of the secrets of men's hearts: and certain it is, that this Word is spoken of as a person, and is said to be a priest in the following verses; to which may be added, that the several things said of the Word exactly agree with Christ: he is "the Word of God"; "[/SIZE][/SIZE]