Knife

The knife as a domestic cutting implement

Used for general purposes

Proverbs 23:2, Proverbs 30:14; Jeremiah 36:23 cutting a scroll

Knives used for shaving

Leviticus 19:27, Leviticus 21:5; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 15:2; Ezekiel 7:18; Micah 1:16

Knives used in religious ceremonies

In circumcision

Flint rather than metal knives were used because of their sharpness: Exodus 4:25; Joshua 5:2–3

In sacrifice

Genesis 15:10, Genesis 22:10; Exodus 29:17; Leviticus 8:20

Knives used for wounding

For self-mutilation

This practice was associated with pagan worship, sometimes as an expression of mourning: Leviticus 19:28, Leviticus 21:5; Deuteronomy 14:1–2; 1 Kings 18:28; Jeremiah 16:6, Jeremiah 41:5, Jeremiah 47:5, Jeremiah 48:37

In mutilation of others

As a punishment: Exodus 21:23–25; Leviticus 24:17–20; Deuteronomy 25:12; Judges 1:6, Judges 16:21; 1 Samuel 11:7

Knives used in figures of speech

For self-discipline

Proverbs 23:2; Matthew 5:29–30, Matthew 18:8–9; Mark 9:43–47

As a symbol of pruning

Isaiah 18:5; John 15:1–2

As a symbol of wickedness

Proverbs 30:14