For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The word of God is so powerful it enters to the deepest and most inward secret parts of the heart, fatally wounding the stubborn and openly reviving believers. This doctrine preached in law and gospel is living because of its effect on those to whom it is preached, dividing soul from spirit and judging the thoughts and intents of the heart.
AI summary
God's truth is all-penetrating and searching; the real thoughts and intents of the heart will be brought to light, and if there is insincerity, there can be no escape. What God has said is fitted to detect hypocrisy and lay open the true nature of the soul's feelings, like a penetrating sword that lays bare the whole man. Truth always has this power, whether preached, read, or impressed upon conscience by the Holy Spirit.
AI summary
The word of God, by the energy and efficacious operation of the Holy Spirit, pierces to divide soul and spirit, cutting asunder the most resolute purposes of the will and the most secret contrivances of the soul. O mighty power of the word; God by the word conveys strength to the weak, wisdom to the simple, comfort to the sorrowful, light to the blind, and life to the dead.
AI summary