knife Summary and Overview

(1.) Heb. hereb, "the waster," a sharp instrument for circumcision (Josh. 5:2, 3, lit. "knives of flint;" compare Ex. 4:25); a razor (Ezek. 5:1); a graving tool (Ex. 20:25); an axe (Ezek. 26:9). (2.) Heb. maakeleth, a large knife for slaughtering and cutting up food (Gen. 22:6, 10; Prov. 30:14). (3.) Heb. sakkin, a knife for any purpose, a table knife (Prov. 23:2). (4.) Heb. mahalaph, a butcher's knife for slaughtering the victims offered in sacrifice (Ezra 1:9). (5.) Smaller knives (Heb. ta'ar, Jer. 36:26) were used for sharpening pens. The pruning-knives mentioned in Isa. 18:5 (Heb. mizmaroth) were probably curved knives.

1. The knives of the Egyptians, and of other nations in early times, were probably only of hard stone, and the use of the flint or stone knife was sometimes retained for sacred purposes after the introduction of iron and steel. 2. In their meals the Jews, like other Orientals, made little use of knives, but they were required both for slaughtering animals, either for food or sacrifice, and for cutting up the carcass. #Le 7:33,34; 8:15,20,25; 9:13; Nu 18:18; 1Sa 9:24| etc. 3. Smaller knives were in use for paring fruit (Josephus) and for sharpening pens. #Jer 36:23| 4. The razor was often used for Nazarite purposes, for which a special chamber was reserved in the temple. #Nu 6:5,9,19; Eze 5:1|, etc. 5. The pruning-hooks of #Isa 18:5| were probably curved knives. 6. The lancets of the priests of Baal were doubtless pointed knives. #1Ki 18:28|

KNIFE (Heb. the waster), instrument for eating, separator (once, Prov 23:2), that which glides through (once, Ezr 1:9), an instrument of stone, Ex 4:25, margin; bone, copper, or bronze, afterward of iron; seldom used at meals, but necessary in killing and preparing animals for food or sacrifice. Lev 7:33-34; Lev 8:15,Lev 8:20, Lev 8:25; Ezr 1:9. They were used for sharpening pens. Jer 36:23. The razor was used for Nazarite purposes. Num 6:5, Gal 1:9, Acts 1:19; Eze 5:1. Curved knives were used for pruning-hooks. Isa 18:5. The lancets of the priests of Baal were probably pointed knives. 1 Kgs 18:28. The word for "knife" ("waster") is usually translated "sword," sometimes "tool," Ex 20:25, "dagger," Jud 3:16, "mattock," 2 Chr 34:6 (margin "mauls"), and "axes." Eze 26:9. Of the cruel avarice of the wicked, Prov 30:14 says, "Their jaw-teeth are as knives to devour the poor."

Originally of flakes of stone or flint, which was retained for sacred purposes as circumcision, even after the introduction of bronze, iron, and steel (Exodus 4:25; Joshua 5:2, margin). The Egyptians never used bronze or steel in preparing the mummies, stone being regarded as purer and more sacred. Used little at meals, but for slaughtering animals and cutting up carcass (Genesis 22:6; Leviticus 7:33-34). Also by scribes for making and mending the reed pen (Jeremiah 36:23, "penknife"; see also 1 Kings 18:28). (See CIVILIZATION; JOSHUA.)