ῥομφαία (rhomphaia)
rhomphaia
sword
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun rhomphaia refers to a large, broad sword, originally a specific type of long Thracian weapon worn on the right shoulder. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, primarily in Revelation and twice in Luke. Its usage is distinct from the more common word for sword (machaira), carrying a heavier, more imposing weight due to its size and origin.
John employs this term exclusively in his visionary writings to depict divine judgment. In Revelation 1:16 and 2:16, Jesus holds a sharp two-edged rhomphaia coming from His mouth, symbolizing the power of His word to judge and confront. The same imagery recurs in Revelation 6:8, 19:15, and 19:21, where it represents God’s decisive action against evil.
Luke uses the term metaphorically in Luke 2:35, when Simeon tells Mary that a sword will pierce her soul. Here, rhomphaia conveys deep spiritual pain and division caused by Jesus’ mission. The choice of this specific word emphasizes the intensity and permanence of the sorrow predicted for Mary.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word rhomphaia describes a heavy, two-edged sword, distinct from the smaller daggers often mentioned in Scripture. In the New Testament, this imposing weapon appears almost exclusively in Revelation, held by Jesus as it issues from His mouth. This vivid imagery reminds us that God’s spoken Word carries ultimate authority and power to discern truth from falsehood.
While the image of judgment can feel distant, Luke 2:35 offers a more intimate glimpse. Simeon tells Mary that this same sword will pierce her soul, highlighting the deep personal cost of standing for Christ in a divided world. It suggests that faithfulness often brings emotional weight and division, yet it also reveals the true state of our hearts.
For your daily walk, this word encourages you to trust in the clarity of God’s truth. Even when life feels heavy or misunderstood, His Word remains sharp and reliable. You can find comfort knowing that justice belongs to Him, and His final victory is certain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sword4×
- a sword2×
- a sword —1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥομφαίᾳ3×
- ῥομφαία3×
- ῥομφαίαν1×
Key Verses
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Luke 2:35
Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
This verse uniquely applies the sword metaphor to personal spiritual sorrow and the division Jesus causes within families.
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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.
Here the sword emerges from Christ’s mouth, establishing it as a symbol of His authoritative speech rather than physical violence.
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Revelation of John 2:16
Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
Jesus uses this image to warn the church in Pergamum that He will confront those who reject Him with the power of His word.
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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 appearance shows Christ using the sword to strike the nations, fulfilling the role of righteous Judge at the end of history.