In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the different meanings of the word “sword” in the Holy Bible, distinguishing between its literal meaning as a weapon and its spiritual meaning as a symbol of divine power, the Word of God, or spiritual struggle.
1. Literal Meaning: The first meaning refers to the sword as a physical weapon, as in Job when the servants were slain by the sword, or in the Song of Solomon where “sixty mighty men” are described, each carrying a sword.
2. Symbolic Meaning: The Psalm says:
“Gird your sword upon your thigh, O mighty one; prosper and reign.” This verse, read at the ordination of a new patriarch, symbolizes not a physical sword but spiritual strength for leadership and victory in faith.
The Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God: In Ephesians 6, the sword is described as:
“The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Similarly, Hebrews 4:12 states: “The Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.” The Word of God pierces the heart and transforms souls.
The Sword from Christ’s Mouth: In Revelation, John saw a vision of Christ with a sharp two-edged sword coming from His mouth—symbolizing the divine Word that judges and reveals truth.
The Sword in the Virgin’s Soul: When Simeon told the Virgin Mary, “A sword will pierce your soul,” it referred to spiritual pain, the sorrow she felt seeing her Son suffer on the Cross.
“Buy a Sword” – A Call to Spiritual Struggle: When Christ said, “Let him who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one,” He did not mean a literal weapon, as He later told Peter to sheath his sword, saying:
“All who take the sword will perish by the sword.” The command refers to spiritual warfare, not physical combat.
“I Came Not to Bring Peace, but a Sword”: Christ meant the division caused by faith—between those who accept and those who reject the Gospel. This “sword” appeared during the era of persecution, when believers suffered violence but did not inflict it.
Spiritual Essence: The Christian “sword” is the power of the Word and the struggle of faith, not a weapon of harm. The believer wields the sword of the Spirit to overcome evil with truth, peace, and love.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
Biblical Terms – Sword
In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the different meanings of the word “sword” in the Holy Bible, distinguishing between its literal meaning as a weapon and its spiritual meaning as a symbol of divine power, the Word of God, or spiritual struggle.
1. Literal Meaning:
The first meaning refers to the sword as a physical weapon, as in Job when the servants were slain by the sword, or in the Song of Solomon where “sixty mighty men” are described, each carrying a sword.
2. Symbolic Meaning:
The Psalm says:
The Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God:
In Ephesians 6, the sword is described as:
The Sword from Christ’s Mouth:
In Revelation, John saw a vision of Christ with a sharp two-edged sword coming from His mouth—symbolizing the divine Word that judges and reveals truth.
The Sword in the Virgin’s Soul:
When Simeon told the Virgin Mary, “A sword will pierce your soul,” it referred to spiritual pain, the sorrow she felt seeing her Son suffer on the Cross.
“Buy a Sword” – A Call to Spiritual Struggle:
When Christ said, “Let him who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one,” He did not mean a literal weapon, as He later told Peter to sheath his sword, saying:
“I Came Not to Bring Peace, but a Sword”:
Christ meant the division caused by faith—between those who accept and those who reject the Gospel. This “sword” appeared during the era of persecution, when believers suffered violence but did not inflict it.
Spiritual Essence:
The Christian “sword” is the power of the Word and the struggle of faith, not a weapon of harm. The believer wields the sword of the Spirit to overcome evil with truth, peace, and love.
For better translation support, please contact the center.