Hebrews 4:12,13 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

For the word of God is quick, &c.— "The word of God, which promised to the faithful an entrance into God's rest in David's time, and now to us, is not a thing which died, or was forgotten, as soon as it was uttered; but it continues one and the same to all generations. It is Ζων, quick, or living: so Isaiah says, The word of our God shall stand for ever: Isaiah 40:8 compare Isaiah 51:6; Isaiah 55:11; Genesis 4:38. John 3:34. 1 Peter 1:23 and powerful, efficacious, active; sufficient through the power of the Holy Ghost, if it be not actually hindered, to produce its effects;—effectual: Philemon 1:6. See 2 Corinthians 10:4. 1 Thessalonians 2:13.—and sharper than any two-edged sword, τομωτερος υπερ,— more cutting than: The word of God applied by his Spirit, penetrates deeper into a man than any sword; it enters into the very soul and spirit, into all our sensations, passions, appetites; nay, to our very thoughts; and fits as judge of the most secret intentions, contrivances, and sentiments of the heart: See Ephesians 6:17. Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:16.—piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit:"—When the soul is thus distinguished from the spirit, by the former is meant that inferior faculty, by which we think of and desire what concerns the present being and welfare. By spirit is meant a superior power, by which we prefer futurethings to present; by which we are directed to pursue truth and right above all things, and even to despise what is agreeable to our present state, if it stands in competition with, or is prejudicial to future happiness. See 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Some have thought, that by the expression before us, is implied, that the word of God is able to bring death, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira: for, say they, if the soul and spirit, or the joints and marrow, are separated one from another, it is impossible that life can remain. Mr. Peirce observes, that the apostle has been evidently arguing from a tremendous judgment of God upon the ancient Israelites, the ancestors of those to whom his epistle is directed; and in this verse, to press upon them that care and diligence which he had been recommending, he sets before them the efficacy and virtue of the word of God, connecting this verse with the former, by a for in the beginning of it: and therefore it is natural to suppose, that what he says of the word of God, may have a relation to somewhat remarkable in that sore punishment of which he had been speaking; particularly to thedestruction of the people by lightning, or fire from heaven. See Leviticus 10:1-5. Numbers 11:1-3; Numbers 16:35.Psalms 78:21. All the expressions, in this view, will receive an additional force; for nothing is more quick and living, more powerful, sharp, and piercing, than lightning. If this idea be admitted, the meaning of the last clause in this verse will be, "That the word of God is a judge, to censure and punish the evil thoughts and intents of the heart:" And this brings the matter home to the exhortation with which the apostle began, ch. Hebrews 3:12-13. For, under whatever disguise they might conceal themselves, yet, from such tremendous judgments as God executed upon their fathers, they might learn to judge as Moses did, Numbers 32:23. If ye will not do so, ye have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.