5372 knife

The knife as a domestic cutting implement

Used for general purposes Pr 23:2; Pr 30:14; Jer 36:23 cutting a scroll

Knives used for shaving

Lev 19:27; Lev 21:5; Jdg 16:17; Isa 15:2; Eze 7:18; Mic 1:16

Knives used in religious ceremonies

In circumcision Flint rather than metal knives were used because of their sharpness: Ex 4:25; Jos 5:2-3

In sacrifice Ge 15:10; Ge 22:10; Ex 29:17; Lev 8:20

Knives used for wounding

For self-mutilation This practice was associated with pagan worship, sometimes as an expression of mourning: Lev 19:28; Lev 21:5; Dt 14:1-2; 1Ki 18:28; Jer 16:6; Jer 41:5; Jer 47:5; Jer 48:37

In mutilation of others As a punishment: Ex 21:23-25; Lev 24:17-20; Dt 25:12 Against prisoners of war: Jdg 1:6; Jdg 16:21 As a threat: 1Sa 11:7

Knives used in figures of speech

For self-discipline Pr 23:2; Mt 5:29-30; Mt 18:8-9; Mk 9:43-47

As a symbol of pruning Isa 18:5; Jn 15:1-2

As a symbol of wickedness Pr 30:14

See also