Heb 4:12-13 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Heb 4:12-13: 4:12-13 Echoing the call to hear God’s voice (3:7 , 15 ; 4:7 ; quoted from Ps 95:7 ), the author gives a beautiful epigram on the power and penetration of God’s word . • alive and powerful: God’s word is an active, effective force. The word that created and governs the cosmos (Heb 1:2-3 ) can deal powerfully with people. • the sharpest two-edged sword: God’s word is able to penetrate the darkest recesses of people’s lives, exposing their innermost thoughts and desires (cp. Eph 6:17 ; Rev 1:16 ; 2:12 , 16 ; 19:15 ).

a4:12-13►

b3:7►

c15►

d4:7►

ePs 95:7►

fHeb 1:2-3►

gEph 6:17►

hRev 1:16►

i2:12►

j16►

k19:15►

l4:13►

mRev 3:17►

‏ Hebrews 4:12-13

Summary for Heb 4:12-13: 4:12-13 ^a Echoing the call to hear God’s voice (3:7 ^b, 15 ^c; 4:7 ^d; quoted from Ps 95:7 ^e), the author gives a beautiful epigram on the power and penetration of God’s word.

• alive and powerful: God’s word is an active, effective force. The word that created and governs the cosmos (Heb 1:2-3 ^f) can deal powerfully with people.

• the sharpest two-edged sword: God’s word is able to penetrate the darkest recesses of people’s lives, exposing their innermost thoughts and desires (cp. Eph 6:17 ^g; Rev 1:16 ^h; 2:12 ⁱ, 16 ^j; 19:15 ^k).
4:13 ^l To be naked and exposed speaks figuratively of being vulnerable, helpless, or unprotected. The guilty are not able to hide from God’s penetrating word of judgment (cp. Rev 3:17 ^m).