A tool used for cutting or stabbing. A knife was used for the ritual slaughter of animals for sacrifice. It was also used for the circumcision ceremony, where at least some of the knives were made of flint rather than metal (Josh 5:2-3). Yet another ritual use is recorded by the prophets of Baal, who cut themselves to receive their god’s attention (1Kgs 18:28). Such activity is forbidden in levitical law (Lev 19:28). A knife could also function as the equivalent of a razor, used for shaving or trimming a beard or other body hair (Ezek 5:1; Isa 7:20). There is some overlap in biblical references to knives and swords. The account of Joab’s murder of Amasa, where the latter is stabbed as the two men embrace, probably presupposes a knife or dagger rather than a sword (2Sam 20:10).
