Description and usage
The knife was a small blade with a handle, used for cutting meat and other food.
Translation
The Hebrew words listed above refer to a sharp knife, which probably was also pointed. Translators should avoid a word that is limited to the rather blunt kind of instrument with which things are spread on bread.
JOS 5:2; JOS 5:3: The Hebrew word cherev normally refers to a sword (see Sword). Here it is used in the context of the delicate operation of circumcision, so it is clear that a smaller implement is in view. The Hebrew modifier tsur indicates that this knife was made from flint, an extremely hard type of quartz stone. From ancient times tools and weapons were made from flint by chipping or flaking to produce very sharp edges.