ῥῆμα (rhēma)
rhēma
declaration
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 68 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun rhēma refers to a specific utterance or declaration — a word spoken, a saying, or even a matter of fact. While it can simply mean "word," it often carries the weight of something actually said or done, functioning as the concrete expression of thought. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus’ teaching on idle words (Matthew 12:36) to the angel’s message to Mary that “no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37).
A key distinction lies in its frequent use for divine communication. The phrase rhēma tou theou (“word of God”) appears in Luke, Acts, and Ephesians, emphasizing the active power of God’s spoken command rather than just abstract truth. This usage mirrors the Hebrew dabar, which also means both “word” and “thing,” suggesting that what is spoken brings reality into being. Translators often render it as “saying” or “message” to capture this sense of a specific utterance with authority.
The word’s force comes from its specificity. Unlike logos, which can denote general speech or reason, rhēma points to a particular statement or event. When Paul speaks of the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word (rhēma) of God” in Ephesians 6:17, he highlights a precise, active tool for spiritual defense. This precision makes rhēma particularly suited for describing prophetic declarations, divine promises, or legal statements where the exact wording matters.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhēma points to a specific declaration or utterance that carries weight and purpose. It is not just abstract information, but a concrete expression of thought or command that brings reality into being. In Scripture, this term often highlights the active power of God’s spoken word, showing how His declarations shape our circumstances and guide our steps.
When we face uncertainty, remembering that God’s rhēma never fails offers deep comfort. Just as Mary trusted the angel’s message and Jesus relied on every word from the Father, we are invited to rest in the certainty of what God has said. This specific promise or instruction becomes a tangible anchor for our faith, reminding us that His voice is both authoritative and reliable.
Living by rhēma means paying attention to the particular words God speaks through Scripture and circumstance. It invites us to listen closely, not just for general principles, but for the precise guidance He offers for our current season. This attentiveness transforms how we respond to challenges, allowing divine promises to sustain us when human strength falls short.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 68 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- declaration33×
- declarations29×
- declaration.3×
- word1×
- the declaration1×
- of declaration1×
- declarations —1×
- by declaration1×
- [the] declaration1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥήματα24×
- ῥῆμα17×
- ῥήματος7×
- ῥημάτων5×
- ῥήματι4×
- ῥῆμά3×
- ῥήματά3×
- ῥῆμα.2×
- ῥῆμα.¶1×
- ῥῆμα,1×
- ῥήματί1×
- ῥήματι,1×
Key Verses
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Luke 1:37
For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”
This verse establishes the absolute reliability of God's rhēma, showing that no divine declaration is ever impossible or ineffective.
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Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’”
Jesus uses this term to emphasize that spiritual sustenance comes from every specific utterance proceeding from God’s mouth, not just physical bread.
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Luke 5:5
Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night and caught nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.”
Simon Peter’s obedience demonstrates how trusting a specific rhēma from Jesus can lead to miraculous results despite previous failure.
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Luke 2:19
But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
Mary’s habit of pondering these sayings illustrates the proper response to divine rhēma: careful reflection and internalization in the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between rhēma and logos?
How is rhēma used in the New Testament?
Does rhēma mean something different in Hebrew?
Every Occurrence (68 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 6 verses
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s…
Matthew 5:11“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Matthew 12:36I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Matthew 18:16But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be…
Matthew 26:75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then…
Matthew 27:14He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.