385. With the sword. That this signifies by means of falsity, is plain from the signification of sword, as denoting truth fighting against falsity and destroying it; and, in an opposite sense, falsity fighting against truth and destroying it (concerning which see above, n. 131, 367).

367. And there was given unto him a great sword. That this signifies by falsities, is manifest from the signification of a sword (machaera seu gladius), as denoting truth combating against falsity; and, in an opposite sense, falsity fighting against truth, and its destruction (see above, n. 131); in this case, falsity combating against truth, and destroying it; for "that they should kill one another" precedes, by which is signified the falsification and extinction of truths. In the Word mention is made of a sword, a dagger, and a two-edged sword; and by sword is signified that combat in general; by dagger, the combat of truth from good and of falsity from evil; and by a two-edged sword, the combat of truth from doctrine against falsity, and of what is false derived from doctrine against truth; for a sword is for the arm, and the two-edged sword is said to go forth out of the mouth (as in Rev. 1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15, 21).