Live by the sword, die by the sword

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A depiction of Peter striking Malchus (circa 1520, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon).

"Live by the sword, die by the sword" is a metaphorical expression meaning that living one's life in a certain way will, in the end, affect one's destiny. The proverb comes from theGospel of Matthew, verse 26:52, which describes a disciple (identified in the Gospel of Johnas Peter) drawing a sword to defend against the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, but is rebuked by Jesus, who tells him to sheath the weapon:

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.^[1]

While a common modern interpretation^[2] means “those who live by violence will die by violence”, suggesting nonviolence or pacifism as an alternative, it is also used for a variety of situations which contain an element of poetic justice. For instance the proverb could be used to describe a person who regularly drives under the influence and is ultimately killed in a vehicle accident caused by another's intoxicated driving. A deeper meaning alludes to "those who judge will be judged" in reference to Matthew 7:2 and Luke 6:37 which can also be interpreted as poetic justice for those observed to be wrongfully condemning others. Other variants on this phrase are also commonly used.

[edit]Sapiential interpretation

The sword is a cross-cultural symbol for Wisdom and discernment -- something that cuts through the veils of ignorance, illusion, and distorted thinking^{[citation needed]}. Therefore the verse could be interpreted as meaning "those who live by the sword of violence will perish by the sword of conscience"^{[citation needed]}.

The sapiential interpretation is consistent with Ephesians 6:17

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17 KJV)

and Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

Origen suggested that "sword" in the Gospels be interpreted in this way.^[3]

The phrase is also seen in the Book of Revelation, chapter 13: verse 10:

"He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."^[4] Those that go to War or engage themselves in the War machine of any country, do well to consider this phrase as they live their lives by the sword. In so doing they should expect to be killed in their line of work. Their families should also come to grips with this.

Peter actually used his physical sword and smote the soldier's ear, defending the Christ: "And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out [his] hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear." (Matthew 26:51 KJV) Jesus then restored the man's ear, while bringing to light this profound wisdom to those still attempting to understand the parallels between physical and spiritual wisdom. Those who kill the flesh body shall find themselves removed of their spiritual body. One cannot uphold the two commandments of Christ while taking flesh in the name of The Lord. Ultimately, The TRUTH of the WORD is the two-edged sword that shall overcome the sword of the flesh. Love thy neighbor as thyself.

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28 KJV)

(wikipedia)

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