HONOLULU CHURCH OF CHRIST

THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD

The writer of the book of Hebrews states that the word of God is living and active (Heb. 4:12).  He then continues, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13 NASB).  Since the word of God comes from God we should expect it to be powerful.  Furthermore, the writer tells us that this power is because it is limitless in its exposure of our lives. 
   

The word translated “laid bare”  in verse 13 occurs only here in the Greek New Testament and is the word trachelizo.  The grammatical form used has the sense that all things have been laid opened and continue in this state before the eyes of God.  The word trachelizo is from the term trachelos meaning “the throat” and from which we derive our word “tracheotomy” (the surgical cutting into the trachea).  The verb in our text then is a colorful term meaning “with the head thrown back and the neck bare.” 
   

We do not know the exact background to the author's use of the term in this passage.  It has been understood in three ways.  First, it may refer to a wrestling word for pinning an opponent down so he could not move.  Second, it was the word used for drawing back the neck of a sacrificial animal at the altar.  Finally, it was the term used of the practice of fixing a dagger, with the point upward, to the throat of criminals so all would see their face and dishonor.  However we understand the background, the meaning of the passage is that all things are open to God.  We may conceal our inner being from our fellow humans or we may deceive ourselves.  However, before God we are open and “laid bare.”  How are you responding to this penetrating word of God?

Ben May

Participate in duscussions at the Honolulu church of Christ Blog