ῥῆμα

a thing spoken

Definition

ῥῆμα refers to a spoken word, utterance, or saying, often with a focus on its spoken, dynamic, and specific nature. In the New Testament, it can denote a specific, spoken command or promise from God, as when Jesus says 'man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (ῥήματι) that comes from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4). It also refers to the specific, spoken words of Jesus or others, carrying significant weight, such as Peter remembering 'the word (ῥήματος) that Jesus had spoken' before his denial (Matthew 26:75). More broadly, it can mean a 'matter' or 'thing' in a general sense, as in a legal context where 'every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses' (Matthew 18:16).

Biblical Usage

ῥῆμα is used throughout the New Testament, with notable clusters in the Gospels and Acts. It frequently appears in contexts of divine revelation, recording the specific, spoken words of God, Jesus, or angels (e.g., Luke 1:38, 2:29). It is also used for human speech, especially words of significance, report, or command (e.g., Matthew 12:36, 27:14). The word maintains a strong connection to the act of speaking and the content that is vocalized, distinguishing it from the more conceptual λόγος (logos).

Etymology

Derived from the verb ῥέω (rheō), meaning 'to speak' or 'to say.' It is a cognate of ῥήτωρ (rhētōr), meaning 'orator.' The term fundamentally denotes that which is spoken or uttered, emphasizing the vocalized expression itself.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the active, spoken nature of God's revelation. It underscores that God communicates through specific utterances—promises, commands, and prophecies—that are dynamic and effectual. Understanding ῥῆμα enriches reading by drawing attention to the power and specificity of God's spoken word, particularly in the incarnation where Jesus is the ultimate 'Word' (Λόγος) made flesh, who Himself speaks life-giving ῥήματα (John 6:63, 68). It connects to doctrines of Scripture, revelation, and the authority of Christ's teachings.

In the Greco-Roman world, spoken words were understood to carry power and authority, especially in legal, rhetorical, and religious contexts. A ῥῆμα was not just an abstract idea but a specific utterance that could enact change, establish a contract, or convey a command. This cultural understanding of the potency of spoken words aligns with the biblical presentation of God's word as active and accomplishing His purpose (Isaiah 55:11).

λόγος (logos, G3056) — a broader term for 'word,' often meaning the message, content, or reason behind the speech, not just the utterance itself. λέξις (lexis, G3007) — refers more to the diction, phrasing, or style of speech. φωνή (phōnē, G5456) — means 'sound' or 'voice,' the physical act of making a sound, not necessarily the intelligible content.

Word Details

Scripture References