Bible Dictionary
EDGE
Edge may refer to the sharp edge of a sword, the end or extremity of an object, or the boundaries of a garment or land. “Teeth set on edge” describes a feeling of discomfort.
Definition
Edge may mean the sharp margin of a sword, the end or extremity of an object, or the boundary of a garment or land. It can also describe the unpleasant sensation expressed by saying that teeth are set on edge.
Biblical Usage
The phrase “edge of the sword” uses edge for the sword’s sharp side. In other passages the term refers to ends or outermost parts. “The children’s teeth are set on edge” describes teeth pressed or made blunt against one another.
Historical Background
Several Hebrew words underlie these uses, including words meaning lip, end, and to be blunt. This accounts for translations such as edge, ends, and uttermost part.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ej:</p><p>Very frequently occurs in the phrase "the edge of the sword" (Jos 10:28, et al.) from the Hebrew peh, "lip," or saphah, "lip." Ex 28:7 and 39:4 read "ends," from qatsah, "end" (the King James Version "edge"), and Jos 13:27 has "uttermost part" for the same Hebrew word (the King James Version "edge"). In Jer 31:29 and Eze 18:2, "The children's teeth are set on edge" (qahah, "to be blunt"), i.e. set hard one against another.</p>