5572 sword
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5572 sword

A hand-wielded blade in common use throughout biblical times as a weapon of war and in OT times as an instrument of execution. The sword is also a symbol of aggression, authority and power.

The sword as the principal weapon of war

It was in common use

Exodus 17:13 See also Numbers 21:24-35; Joshua 11:10-12; Joshua 19:47

Swordsmen fought and fell in great numbers

Judges 3:28-30 See also Judges 20:17; 2 Samuel 24:9

Some swordsmen showed great strength and ability

2 Samuel 23:10 See also 1 Samuel 21:8-9; 2 Samuel 23:12

The sword used for other purposes

As an instrument of execution and decapitation

2 Samuel 1:14-16 See also 1 Samuel 15:33; Samuel 17:51; Samuel 22:18-19; 1 Kings 19:1; Acts 12:2; Romans 8:35

For murder

2 Kings 19:37 See also Joshua 6:21; 1 Kings 2:34; Acts 12:2

For committing suicide

1 Samuel 31:4-6 pp 1 Chronicles 10:4 See also Acts 16:27

Metaphorical use of the sword

To symbolise God's opposition to the sinful

Genesis 3:24 See also Numbers 22:21-23,31; Deuteronomy 33:29

To symbolise warfare

Leviticus 26:6-8

To symbolise temporal power

Ezekiel 32:11-12 See also Psalm 45:3; Micah 5:6

To symbolise suffering

Luke 2:34-35

To symbolise judgment

Exodus 5:3; Matthew 10:34 See also Judges 7:20-22; 2 Chronicles 20:9; Psalm 7:12; Isaiah 31:8; Jeremiah 50:35-37; Ezekiel 11:8-10; Ezekiel 21:3; Ezekiel 33:2

To symbolise the word of God

Ephesians 6:17 See also Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12

See also

1690  word of God
5025  killing
5040  murder
5067  suicide
5131  belt
5214  attack
5360  justice, God
5605  warfare
5612  weapons
7346  death penalty
8482  spiritual warfare
9210  judgment, God's



Top of Page
Top of Page




Bible Apps.com