Arcana Coelestia (Potts) n. 10488

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10488. Put ye every man his sword upon his thigh. That this signifies truth from good fighting against falsity from evil, is evident from the signification of a "sword," as being truth fighting against falsity (see n. 2799, 8294); and from the signification of the "thigh," as being the good of love (see n. 3021, 4277, 4280, 5050-5062, 9961). It is said "sword upon thigh," because truth fighting against falsity and evil, and conquering, must be from good; because all the power of truth is from this source. Indeed truth without good is not truth, for it is only memory-knowledge devoid of life; consequently truth without good has no power. By truth from good is meant a life according to truth, for good is of the life. From this it is evident why it is said "put the sword upon the thigh," as also in David, where it is said of the Lord, "Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Hero! in Thy comeliness, and in Thine honor" (Ps. 45:3).


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