"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Heb. 4:12)

"Obviously, the dividing of the soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow is not to be understood literally; if it were, reading the Bible would necessitate a trip to the doctor or to the morgue. The figurative language means that the word is able to pierce our innermost being, dealing with our most basic character, our inner disposition, our deepest thoughts and purposes. This involves being a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Vine defines "discerner" as "that which relates to judging, fit for, or skilled in, judging." Regarding its use in this verse, Vine says, "discriminating and passing judgment on thoughts and feelings." Like a sharp sword, the word of God pierces into our innermost nature and passes judgment on our thoughts and intents. (From Hebrews, by Johnny Stringer, p. 14-15)