Greek] μάχαιρα (machaira), [Latin] pugio, [Latin] cultellus, [Latin] gladius: sword, dagger, knife, judicial punishment, weapon; Mt.10:34, Mt.26:47,51-52,55, Mk.14:43,47-48, Lk.21:24, Lk.22:36,38,49,52, Jn.18:10-11, Acts 12:2, Acts 16:27, Rom.8:35, Rom.13:4, Eph.6:17, Heb.4:12, Heb.11:34,37, Rev.13:10,14
A 14th century fresco in the Sacred Monastery of the Ascension of Christ (Visoki Decani) in Kosovo
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means knife, weapon, dagger, sabre, power of life and death, shears, scissors, and blade. Plutarch’s Dion 9 states “For the elder Dionysus was do distrustful and suspicious towards every one, and his fear led him to be so much on guard, that he would not even have his hair cut with barber’s scissors, but a hairdresser would come and singe his hair with a live coal.” Xenophon’s On the Art of Horsemanship 12.11 states “For harming the enemy we recommend the sabre rather than the sword because, owing to his lofty position, the rider will find the cut with the Persian sabre more efficacious.”
Old Testament: This term means sword, war, dagger, knife, cutting tool, tooth, and spear. Swords were generally double-edged, while daggers were generally hidden. Flint knifes were used for cutting flesh. Cutting tools were used for construction work. The sword was seen as a metaphorical representation of war. Teeth and mouths, like swords, were known to give out sharp words (and attacks). Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelite nation for the second time (Josh.5:2). Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son (Gen.22:10). He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of His arms (Isa.49:2). Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears (1Sam.13:19). I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them (Exo.15:9). And you shall chase your enemies, and they shall before you by the sword (Lev.26:7). There is a generation, whose teeth are as sword, and their jaw teeth and knives (Prov.30:14).
New Testament: This term means sword, war, discord, death, and power (to punish). Physical spears are used in persecution, violence, and death. Jesus brings a metaphorical sword to sow division among people. This metaphorical sword may cause dissent or division among families (man vs father, daughter vs mother, etc). Jesus states that one must buy a ‘sword’ to be prepared for the enmity they face. Yet the disciples thought that Jesus was speaking literally. Paul likens the Christian to a Roman solider, wearing spiritual armor. Christians are called to have readiness for combat against humans and spiritual powers. The Word of God is a spiritual sword. The Word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword. This sword penetrates the secret thoughts of the heart of man. Jesus foretells that the Jews will fall by the edge of the sword by the Romans (destruction of Jerusalem by Rome). Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot until the time of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Scripture:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” Mt. 10:34
Jesus calls to set family members against each other. Jesus comes to shake others assumptions and worldviews. The sword represents battle.
“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Eph.6:17
Jesus calls upon His followers to put on armor for the spiritual battle. The spiritual sword is the the Word of God.
“Indeed, the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” Heb. 4:12
The Word of God penetrates the thoughts and hearts of men.
Conclusion:
Machete, pugilist, pugilistic, gladiator, cutlery
It was interesting to discover that this term can also refer to scissors.
It is significant to note that the Old Testament culture uses this term in metaphorical ways. Swords can represent wars (battles). More interestingly, mouths, like swords, can create sharp words (attacks). The Messiah also is presented as a sharp-edged sword. This foreshadows the Word of God in the New Testament.
In the New Testament, the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, penetrating the innermost motivations of man. Jesus brings a sword of division among families. In contrast to the ministry of the Twelve and of the seventy-two during the period of Jesus, Christian missionaries must be prepared for the opposition they will face in the world hostile to their preaching.
Update: This new administration will continue to unleash destructive social policies. Christians and Christian institutions will continue to be under assault. Christians are continually challenging local, state, and national officials concerning the their rights to gather and assemble in churches.
I hope I was able to make some sharp points (yet nothing you haven’t heard before) in this post.