Brief Overview of ῥομφαία (Strong’s G4501: rhomphaia)

Strong’s G4501: A feminine noun referring to a large, broad sword or long Thracian javelin. In the New Testament, it appears both literally and metaphorically, most notably in Simeon’s prophecy to Mary about a sword piercing her soul, and in Revelation as a symbol of divine judgment and authority.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥομφαία carries deep symbolic significance beyond its literal meaning as a weapon. In the New Testament, it appears prominently in two contexts: as a metaphor for deep spiritual anguish in Luke’s Gospel and as a symbol of divine judgment in Revelation. Early church fathers often used this word to discuss both the suffering of Mary and Christ’s authority in judgment. Today, it continues to illustrate both the personal cost of discipleship and the ultimate authority of Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥομφαία, rhomphaia, /hrom-fay-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: hrom-FAY-ah (with emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Possibly of Thracian origin
• Related to military terminology
• No clear Greek etymological components
• Adopted into Koine Greek from earlier usage

D – Defining Meanings

• A large broad sword
• A Thracian javelin
• A symbol of authority
• A metaphor for spiritual pain

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a simple noun.

Translation Options:

• “sword” – general meaning
• “broadsword” – specifying type
• “great sword” – emphasizing size/importance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μάχαιρα (machaira) /makh-ay-rah/ – shorter sword or dagger
  See G3162
• ξίφος (xiphos) /ksee-fos/ – straight double-edged sword
  See G3502

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: ῥομφαία
• Genitive singular: ῥομφαίας
• Dative singular: ῥομφαίᾳ
• Accusative singular: ῥομφαίαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its military origin. LSJ provides examples from classical warfare. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance. Strong’s connects it to judgment imagery. Moulton and Milligan document its use in military contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“and a [ῥομφαία] sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:35

Additional References:
Revelation 1:16
Revelation 2:12
Revelation 2:16
Revelation 6:8
Revelation 19:15
Revelation 19:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥομφαία powerfully illustrates both the cost of following Christ and His ultimate authority. It proclaims the good news that while discipleship may involve suffering (as Mary experienced), King Jesus holds supreme authority and will establish final justice. This dual meaning reminds us that the path of faith includes both personal sacrifice and ultimate victory in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word originally described a specifically Thracian weapon before becoming more general.
2. It appears in ancient artwork depicting the goddess Justice.
3. Early Christian art often depicted Christ with a ῥομφαία proceeding from His mouth, based on Revelation’s imagery.

Strong’s G4501: A feminine noun referring to a large, broad sword or long Thracian javelin. In the New Testament, it appears both literally and metaphorically, most notably in Simeon’s prophecy to Mary about a sword piercing her soul, and in Revelation as a symbol of divine judgment and authority.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: sword, weapon, judgment, Mary’s prophecy, Revelation, divine authority, spiritual pain, warfare, Christ’s return, justice, prophecy, symbolism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​