ὀξύς (oxus)
oxus
sharp/swift
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective oxus carries two primary senses in Scripture: sharpness and swiftness. In the Book of Revelation, it describes physical edge, specifically the sword proceeding from Christ’s mouth (Revelation 1:16; 2:12). This imagery emphasizes piercing power and decisive judgment rather than mere cutting ability.
When applied to motion, as in Romans 3:15, oxus translates the Hebrew concept of speed or haste. The text uses it to depict feet that are quick to shed blood, highlighting the urgency and violence of their actions. This usage aligns with its Old Testament background where similar terms describe rapid movement.
The word likely shares an etymological root with concepts of acidity or sharpness, linking physical edge to kinetic speed. Translators must choose between "sharp" for weapons and "swift" for movement, as the Greek term covers both distinct but related ideas of intensity and velocity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oxus brings together two ideas that often feel separate: sharpness and speed. In Revelation, it describes a sword coming from Christ’s mouth. This image shows that His words are not soft or vague. They cut through confusion and reveal the truth with precision. When we read about this sharp sword, we see a God who is fully aware of our hearts and acts with decisive justice.
Paul uses the same word in Romans to describe feet that are swift to shed blood. Here, oxus highlights the dangerous urgency of sin. It reminds us how quickly violence can spread when people ignore God’s law. This contrast helps us understand why we need Christ’s sharp truth. It cuts away the haste and harm of our broken world.
For your daily life, this word invites you to listen closely to Scripture. God’s Word is active and alive, piercing through our excuses and fears. We can trust that He sees clearly and acts with purpose. His judgment is fair, and His grace is sufficient for every moment of haste or hesitation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sharp3×
- sharp.2×
- swift [are]1×
- sharp;1×
- sharp,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀξύ.¶2×
- ὀξὺ2×
- ὀξεῖς1×
- ὀξεῖαν·1×
- ὀξεῖα,1×
- ὀξεῖα1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 1:16
He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
This verse establishes the primary imagery of Christ’s authority, showing that His spoken word possesses a piercing power that reveals truth and judges the heart.
-
Romans 3:15
“Their feet are swift to shed blood.
Paul uses oxus here to condemn the reckless speed with which sinners rush into violence, highlighting the urgent danger of a life apart from God.
-
Revelation of John 19:15
Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.
This final depiction of the sharp sword emphasizes Christ’s ultimate victory and righteous rule over the nations, confirming that justice will prevail.