Proverbs 23:2; 30:14

The knife as a domestic cutting implement

Jeremiah 36:23

Used for general purposes

cutting a scroll

Leviticus 19:27; 21:5

Knives used for shaving

Judges 16:17
Isaiah 15:2
Ezekiel 7:18
Micah 1:16

Knives used in religious ceremonies

Exodus 4:25

In circumcision

Joshua 5:2-3

Flint rather than metal knives were used because of their sharpness:

Genesis 15:10; 22:10
Exodus 29:17

In sacrifice

Leviticus 8:20

Knives used for wounding

Leviticus 19:28; 21:5

For self-mutilation

Deuteronomy 14:1-2

This practice was associated with pagan worship, sometimes as an expression of mourning:

1 Kings 18:28
Jeremiah 16:6; 41:5; 47:5; 48:37
Exodus 21:23-25

In mutilation of others

Leviticus 24:17-20

As a punishment:

Deuteronomy 25:12
Judges 1:6; 16:21

Against prisoners of war:

1 Samuel 11:7

As a threat:

Proverbs 23:2

Knives used in figures of speech

Matthew 5:29-30; 18:8-9

For self-discipline

Mark 9:43-47
Isaiah 18:5
John 15:1-2

As a symbol of pruning

Proverbs 30:14

See also

As a symbol of wickedness

4330 glass
5131 belt
5156 hand
5347 injustice
5419 mourning
5482 punishment
5572 sword
5573 table
5584 torture
7334 circumcision
7402 offerings
7435 sacrifice, in OT