Hebrews declares that God's word is 'living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword... able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart' (Hebrews 4:12). The adjective means 'able to discern' or 'critical'—having the power to judge and discriminate. In classical usage it described literary critics and scholars who could discern quality and meaning. Applied to God's word, it emphasizes the capacity to penetrate human self-deception and expose true motives. Scripture itself exercises judgment.