592. 'If anyone slays with the sword, he must be slain with the sword' signifies that he who by means of untruths has destroyed the soul of another is destroyed by untruths and perishes. By 'sword' (gladius), 'short sword' (machaera) and 'long sword' (romphaea) is signified truths, and in the opposite sense untruth, both fighting (n. 52, 836). Consequently by 'to slay' and 'to be slain' is signified to destroy and be destroyed, or to lose and be ruined, which is effected by untruths.