12 For the word+ of God is alive+ and exerts power*+ and is sharper than any two-edged sword+ and pierces even to the dividing of soul+ and spirit,+ and of joints and [their] marrow, and [is] able to discern* thoughts and intentions* of [the] heart.+

23 For YOU have been given a new birth,+ not by corruptible,+ but by incorruptible+ [reproductive] seed,*+ through the word+ of [the] living and enduring+ God.