Divine Penetration: τομός (Strong’s G5114: tomos) Reveals Heart-Piercing Truth

Strong’s G5114: An adjective meaning sharp, cutting, or piercing. In biblical context, it describes the penetrating power of God’s Word to discern thoughts and intentions. Derived from τέμνω (to cut), it emphasizes the precise, surgical nature of divine truth’s operation in the soul.

U – Unveiling the Word

τομός carries profound theological significance in its sole New Testament appearance in Hebrews 4:12. The word originates from surgical and military contexts, describing the sharpness of a precisely honed blade. In its biblical usage, it metaphorically describes the penetrating power of God’s Word to cut through pretense and expose the deepest realities of human hearts. The early church recognized this term’s powerful illustration of how divine truth operates with surgical precision in spiritual transformation. Today, it reminds believers that God’s Word penetrates beyond surface-level religiosity to perform deep spiritual surgery.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τομός, tomos, /to.ˈmos/
• Detailed Pronunciation: toh-MOSS (where ‘oh’ is like in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From τέμνω (temnō) meaning “to cut”
• Root: τομ- (tom-) indicating cutting
• Suffix: -ός (-os) forming adjectives

D – Defining Meanings

• Sharp
• Cutting
• Penetrating

For compound words: Not applicable as τομός is a simple adjective

Translation Options:

• “sharp” – emphasizing the keen edge
• “cutting” – highlighting the active function
• “penetrating” – stressing the piercing ability

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὀξύς (oxus) /ok.ˈsys/ – sharp, swift See G3691
• τομή (tomē) /to.ˈmē/ – cutting, division See G5115
• μάχαιρα (machaira) /ˈma.kʰai.ra/ – sword See G3162

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

The adjective follows these patterns:

• Masculine: τομός, τομοῦ, τομῷ, τομόν
• Feminine: τομή, τομῆς, τομῇ, τομήν
• Neuter: τομόν, τομοῦ, τομῷ, τομόν

Cross-references: Related verb τέμνω meaning “to cut”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich insight into τομός. BDAG emphasizes its technical precision in medical contexts. Thayer’s notes its development from literal to metaphorical usage. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in surgical literature. Vine’s highlights its unique application to God’s Word in Hebrews. Strong’s connects it to the concept of precise division. Moulton and Milligan cite medical papyri showing its technical usage. LEH notes its rare but significant appearances in Greek translations of Hebrew Scripture, particularly regarding sacrificial implements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τομός in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τομός powerfully illustrates the precise, penetrating nature of God’s Word. This surgical metaphor reveals how the good news of King Jesus operates with divine precision to expose our deepest needs and perform spiritual surgery. It reminds us that true transformation isn’t superficial but reaches to the very depths of our being. The Word doesn’t merely inform; it transforms through its sharp, precise application to our hearts.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient Greek surgeons used τομός specifically for their finest surgical instruments
• The word influenced medical terminology in several languages
• Early church fathers often used this term when discussing spiritual discernment

Strong’s G5114: An adjective meaning sharp, cutting, or piercing. In biblical context, it describes the penetrating power of God’s Word to discern thoughts and intentions. Derived from τέμνω (to cut), it emphasizes the precise, surgical nature of divine truth’s operation in the soul.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: sharp, sword, word-of-god, spiritual-surgery, discernment, transformation, hebrews, truth, revelation, heart, conviction, penetration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​