χεῖλος

a lip, mouth, shore

Definition

The Greek word χεῖλος (cheilos) primarily means 'lip' in a literal, physical sense, referring to the lips of the mouth. It is used this way in passages like Matthew 15:8 and Mark 7:6, quoting Isaiah to describe people honoring God with their lips while their hearts are far away. By extension, it can signify 'speech' or 'language,' as the instrument of speech, seen in Romans 3:13 where 'their lips' are associated with deceitful talk. A distinct, metaphorical meaning is 'shore' or 'edge,' as in Hebrews 11:12, where Abraham's descendants are as numerous as the stars by the seashore, using the image of a coastline.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, χεῖλος is used in various contexts across multiple books. Its most common usage is in quotations from the Old Testament (LXX) concerning hypocritical worship or sinful speech, as in the Gospels (Matthew 15:8, Mark 7:6) and Paul's writings (Romans 3:13, 1 Corinthians 14:21). The metaphorical sense of 'shore' appears uniquely in the illustrative language of Hebrews 11:12. Finally, it is used in exhortations for proper speech and praise in Hebrews 13:15 and 1 Peter 3:10, connecting the physical lips to spiritual offerings and righteous conduct.

Etymology

The word χεῖλος is a native Greek noun of uncertain deeper origin, though it is cognate with the Latin word 'labium' (lip). It primarily denoted the physical lip or edge of something. Its meaning naturally extended from the physical organ to the speech produced by it, and by analogy to any border or brink, such as the shore of a sea.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges physical action and spiritual condition. It highlights the biblical theme that true worship and righteousness must come from the heart, not mere lip service (Matthew 15:8). It also underscores the power of speech for good or evil, connecting to doctrines of sin (Romans 3:13) and acceptable praise to God (Hebrews 13:15). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing the consistent biblical link between one's inner faith and its outward expression in words.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, the 'lip' was strongly associated with one's word, oath, and public identity. Honoring a god or person 'with the lips' implied a formal, verbal declaration that could be empty without corresponding heart commitment—a concept sharply critiqued by biblical prophets. The metaphorical use for 'shore' draws from a common ancient perspective of the sea's edge as a vast, uncountable boundary.

στόμα (stoma, G4750) — refers more broadly to the 'mouth' as the whole opening or orifice, often for eating or speaking. γλῶσσα (glōssa, G1100) — means 'tongue,' the organ of speech, and by extension, a 'language' or 'dialect.'

Word Details

Scripture References