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The Gemara says Berachot 10a

אפי' חרב חדה מונחת על צוארו של אדם אל ימנע עצמו מן הרחמים

Even if a sharp sword is resting on one's thought he shouldn't hold back from (asking for) mercy."

Why does the Gemara have to say "sharp" rather than just a sword? A sword usually makes a connotation of sharpness.

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Are we so madkadek on the choice of words the Gemara uses on non-halachic matters? – HodofHod Apr 23 '12 at 1:52
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@HodofHod, I think so (though I can't point to a specific example at the moment). – msh210♦ Apr 23 '12 at 2:18
Please explain the downvote so I can fix my question and further help you. – Hacham Gabriel Apr 23 '12 at 3:22
The phrase exists in Tehillim 57:5. I think it's just a pleonasm. – Double AA♦ Apr 23 '12 at 3:43
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sharp swords work faster the quote is implying last second a dull sword might not be able to do the Job hence more time – simchastorah Apr 23 '12 at 5:16
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