στόμα

the mouth, speech

Definition

The Greek word στόμα (stoma) primarily refers to the physical mouth, as seen in Matthew 4:4 where Jesus quotes Deuteronomy, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' It extends metaphorically to mean speech or the source of words, as in Matthew 12:34, 'For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,' indicating that speech reveals inner character. In a specialized sense, it can denote the edge or point of a sword (Hebrews 11:34, Revelation 1:16), symbolizing destructive power. It also refers to an opening or entrance, such as a cave (Hebrews 11:33).

Biblical Usage

στόμα is used 71 times across the New Testament, appearing most frequently in the Gospels (especially Matthew and Luke) and Revelation. It commonly describes human speech, often in teachings about righteousness, hypocrisy, or confession (e.g., Matthew 15:8, Romans 10:9). In Revelation, it frequently depicts the mouths of beasts or divine beings as sources of authority or judgment (Revelation 13:5-6). The word is also used for God's mouth, emphasizing divine proclamation (Matthew 4:4).

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *stom-en-, meaning 'mouth' or 'opening.' It is a native Greek noun with cognates in other Indo-European languages (e.g., Latin 'os'). In Greek literature, it consistently denoted the physical mouth and, by extension, speech or any opening, a usage retained in the New Testament.

Semantic Range

στόμα is theologically significant as it connects physical speech with spiritual reality. Jesus teaches that what comes from the mouth defiles a person (Matthew 15:11), linking speech to moral purity. Confession with the mouth is essential for salvation (Romans 10:9-10), highlighting the role of verbal proclamation in faith. In Revelation, the mouth symbolizes divine or satanic authority, showing that words wield cosmic power. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing how biblical authors view speech as a conduit of heart, faith, and spiritual authority.

In ancient Greco-Roman culture, the mouth was not just an organ but a symbol of personal identity and social power—rhetoric and public speech were highly valued. The biblical use aligns with this, but adds a Hebraic emphasis: in Jewish thought, the mouth was closely tied to blessing, cursing, and covenant confession (Deuteronomy 30:14). Unlike modern individualism, speech was seen as a communal and covenantal act, affecting one's standing before God and community.

γλῶσσα (glōssa, G1100) — specifically the tongue as the organ of speech or a language. ῥῆμα (rhēma, G4487) — an utterance or spoken word, often with a focus on its content or effect. λαλέω (laleō, G2980) — to speak or talk, emphasizing the action rather than the physical mouth.

Word Details

Scripture References