στόμα (stoma)
stoma
mouth
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 72 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word stoma simply means "mouth," referring to the physical opening used for eating or speaking. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus teaching from a boat (Matthew 13:2) to Peter describing his vision of animals (Acts 10:16). The sources note its use for both humans and animals, such as the fish that swallowed Jonah’s hook (Matthew 17:27), establishing it as a basic anatomical term.
However, stoma carries significant theological weight when contrasted with the heart (kardia). Jesus uses this distinction in Matthew 12:34 to show that speech reveals inner character, not just physical function. This connection between mouth and heart is central to passages like Romans 10:9-10, where confession with the mouth and belief in the heart are linked as essential parts of faith.
The word also extends metaphorically beyond human anatomy. In Revelation, it describes the "mouth" of the earth swallowing a river (Revelation 12:16) or the sword coming from Christ’s mouth (Revelation 19:15). These vivid images show how early Christians used stoma to describe divine power and judgment, transforming a simple body part into a symbol of God’s active word in the world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word stoma refers to the physical mouth, yet Scripture uses it to reveal something far deeper than anatomy. Jesus taught that what comes out of our mouths flows from the heart’s true condition. This means our words are not just sounds; they are reflections of who we are inside. When we speak with kindness or truth, we show a heart aligned with God.
Even in difficult times, this word reminds us that God provides wisdom for our speech. In Luke 21:15, Jesus promised His followers a mouth and wisdom that opponents could not contradict. This assurance helps us trust that God equips us to speak what is right, even when we feel unsure. Our words matter because they carry the weight of our inner life.
Ultimately, stoma points us to rely on God’s word rather than our own strength. As Matthew 4:4 shows, we live by every word from God. This connection invites us to let His truth shape our speech, bringing peace and integrity to our daily interactions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 72 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mouth56×
- [the] mouth7×
- mouths4×
- mouth.2×
- a mouth2×
- through [the] mouth1×
- mouth,1×
- in the mouth1×
- by [the] edge1×
- [the] testimony1×
- [the] mouths1×
- [the] blades1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στόματος28×
- στόμα27×
- στόματι7×
- στόματός5×
- στόματί4×
- στόματα3×
- στομάτων2×
- στόματος,1×
- στόματι.1×
- στόμα.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 12:34
You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
This verse links the mouth directly to the heart’s abundance, showing that speech reveals inner character rather than just physical function.
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Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.
Here Jesus promises divine wisdom for speech, offering assurance that God equips believers to speak with authority in difficult circumstances.
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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.’”
This reference emphasizes dependence on God’s word as essential sustenance, contrasting physical bread with spiritual truth.
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Luke 1:64
His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.
The immediate opening of Zechariah’s mouth after his silence demonstrates God’s power to restore speech and enable praise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does stoma mean in the New Testament?
How is stoma different from rhema?
Why does Jesus focus on what comes out of the mouth?
Where else does stoma appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (72 verses across 17 books)
Matthew 11 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 5:2He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
Matthew 12:34You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth…
Matthew 13:35that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables; I will…
Matthew 15:8‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Matthew 15:11That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the…
Matthew 15:17Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly and then out of the body?
Matthew 15:18But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man.
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
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 21:16and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth…