Cut in Sunder
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The phrase "cut in sunder" is a vivid expression found in the Bible, often used to describe a severe form of judgment or punishment. This term is primarily associated with the idea of being divided or separated with force, reflecting the seriousness of divine retribution or the consequences of disobedience.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 24:51 : In the New Testament, Jesus uses the phrase in a parable about the faithful and wise servant. The verse states, "Then the master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. He will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Here, "cut in pieces" is synonymous with "cut in sunder," illustrating the severe punishment awaiting those who are unfaithful or hypocritical in their service to God.

2. Hebrews 11:37 : This chapter, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," recounts the trials and tribulations faced by the faithful. It mentions, "They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword." The phrase "sawed in two" is akin to being "cut in sunder," highlighting the extreme persecution endured by some prophets and faithful individuals.

Theological Significance:

The concept of being "cut in sunder" serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment. It underscores the seriousness with which God views faithfulness and obedience. In the context of Jesus' teachings, it serves as a warning to remain vigilant and faithful, as the consequences of failing to do so are dire.

Historical Context:

In ancient times, the act of cutting or dividing was often associated with covenant rituals or severe punishments. The imagery of being "cut in sunder" would have resonated with a first-century audience familiar with such practices, emphasizing the gravity of the message being conveyed.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

From a moral standpoint, the phrase calls believers to examine their own lives and service to God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity, integrity, and faithfulness in one's spiritual walk. The stark imagery is intended to provoke self-reflection and a commitment to living in accordance with God's will.

Conclusion:

While the phrase "cut in sunder" may appear harsh, it is a testament to the seriousness of divine justice and the high standards to which believers are called. It is a call to vigilance, faithfulness, and a reminder of the ultimate accountability before God.
Greek
1371. dichotomeo -- to cut in two, cut asunder
... cut, flog. From a compound of a derivative of dis and a derivative of temno (to
cut); to bisect, ie (by extension) to flog severely -- cut asunder (in sunder). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1371.htm - 6k

1369. dichazo -- to cause a separation, separate, fig. alienate
... 1369 (from 1364 , "twice") -- properly, "cut into two parts" (J. Thayer); to by ... From
a derivative of dis; to make apart, ie Sunder (figuratively, alienate ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1369.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew
7112. qatsats -- cut off
... cut asunder, in pieces, in sunder, off, utmost. A primitive root; to chop off
(literally or figuratively) -- cut (asunder, in pieces, in sunder, off), X utmost. ...
/hebrew/7112.htm - 6k

1438. gada -- to hew, hew down or off
... cut asunder, in sunder, down, off, hew down. A primitive root; to fell a tree;
generally, to destroy anything -- cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down. ...
/hebrew/1438.htm - 6k

Library

The Christian view of Sorrow
... to weep; weep, then, in that great catastrophe which is coming, when barbed affliction
shall pierce your hearts, and the dearest ties shall be cut in sunder. ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the christian view of sorrow.htm

"Go Forward on Your Knees"
... "I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces
the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron" (Isa.45:2). ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/iii go forward on your.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places
straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

The Meditation of the Lover in his Love: and the Forsaking of ...
... in the way, that with his stirrings my heaviness might have been gladdened and the
bond of sighing unloosed; if it were not forthwith cut in sunder by Thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter v the meditation of.htm

Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... instead of the common wooden bar, which might be sufficient in more peaceful times,
there shall be given bars of metal, not easily cut in sunder or removed. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/shoes of iron and strength.htm

Rom. xvi. 5
... It was not then to cut in sunder private conversing for advantage that he said this,
but that before all, and which it was the teacher's duty to give in the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm

On the Arrival of the Egyptians.
... from God, and therefore divideth the One Supreme Substance into an inequality of
Natures, it were marvellous if such an one were not cut in sunder by the sword ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiv on the arrival.htm

1 Cor. x. 25
... be very exalted, when it doth not distribute its benefit to others also: as is shown
by him who brought the one talent safe, and was cut in sunder because he ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxv 1 cor x.htm

Five Fears
... For thee there is no hell, so far as thou art concerned. The eternal lake is quenched;
the dungeons of hell are broken open, their bars are cut in sunder. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/five fears.htm

Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
... the wave, and she rises, the purer for her washing; thrust her in the fire, and
she comes out, the more bright for her burning; cut her in sunder, and each ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christthe power and wisdom of.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about shaving? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Adoni-Bezek? | GotQuestions.org

Is carbon dating a reliable method for determining the age of things? | GotQuestions.org

Cut: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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