# sword #

## Definition: ##

A sword is a flat-bladed metal weapon used to cut or stab. It has a handle and a long, pointed blade with a very sharp cutting edge.

* In ancient times the length of a sword’s blade was about 60 to 91 centimeters.
* Some swords have two sharp edges and are called "double-edged" or "two-edged" swords.
* Jesus' disciples had swords for self defense. With his sword, Peter cut off the ear of the high priest's servant.
* Both John the Baptist and the apostle James were beheaded with swords.

## Translation Suggestions ##

* A sword is used as a metaphor for God's word. God's teachings in the Bible exposed people's innermost thoughts and convicted them of their sin. In a similar way, a sword cuts deeply, causing pain. (See: [Metaphor](en/ta-vol1/translate/man/figs-metaphor))
* One way to translate this figurative use would be, "God's word is like a sword, which cuts deeply and exposes sin."
* Another figurative use of this term occurred in the book of Psalms, where the tongue or speech of a person was compared to a sword, which can injure people. This could be translated as "the tongue is like a sword that can badly injure someone."
* If swords are not known in your culture, this word could be translated with the name of another long-bladed weapon that is used to cut or stab.
* A sword could also be described as a "sharp weapon" or "long knife." Some translations could include a picture of a sword.

(See also: [How to Translate Unknowns](en/ta-vol1/translate/man/translate-unknown))

(See also: [James (brother of Jesus)](../other/jamesbrotherofjesus.md), [John (the Baptist)](../other/johnthebaptist.md), [tongue](../other/tongue.md), [word of God](../kt/wordofgod.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [Acts 12:1-2](en/tn/act/help/12/01)
* [Genesis 27:39-40](en/tn/gen/help/27/39)
* [Genesis 34:24-26](en/tn/gen/help/34/24)
* [Luke 02:33-35](en/tn/luk/help/02/33)
* [Luke 21:23-24](en/tn/luk/help/21/23)
* [Matthew 10:34-36](en/tn/mat/help/10/34)
* [Matthew 26:55-56](en/tn/mat/help/26/55)
* [Revelation 01:14-16](en/tn/rev/help/01/14)