Question

What is the origin of the phrase 'terrible swift sword'?

Answer 1

It's from "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and it means vengeance of the Lord.. . Up until the 1800's "terrible" used to mean "causing terror", so the "terrible swift sword" meant the troops would rain down on the enemy and strike terror in their hearts as if the Lord himself were brandishing a mighty sword.

Answer 2

It's a phrase from the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". . "He is loosening the lightening. from his terrible swift sword,. His truth is marching on..... Glory, Glory Hallelujah...etc., etc.

Answer 3

Doesn't "battle hymn" seem like an oxymoron? (You know, like "jumbo shrimp")

Answer 4

Battle Hymn of The Republic

Answer 5

It was the sword God used to cast Lucifer out of Heaven and into hell

Answer 6

The Civil War song, the "Battle Hymn of the Republic".

Answer 7

"The Battle Hymn of the Republic"

Answer 8

Inspiring of terror. Hence “terrible swift sword” (from Battle Hymn of the Republic) means that the sword is frightening, not cheap and rusty. Generally a compliment, since the assumption was that those terrified ought to be terrified

Answer 9

Although the phrase was most famously used in Battle Hymn of the Repubic, it apparently has its roots in biblical references in both the Old Testament and New (e.g. Revelations references a sword representing judgment of God at the second coming of the Messiah).