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ῥῆμα

rhēma

G4487 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A spoken word, utterance, or statement; specifically, that which is said or declared, whether a single word or an articulated message. By extension, denotes a matter, event, or thing referred to through spoken words. The primary sense is the expression of thought through speech, with particular focus on the act or result of saying rather than the abstract content. In various contexts, can refer to a command, narrative, proclamation, promise, or report.

Semantic Range

spoken word, utterance, statement, saying, message, declaration, command, narration, report, promise, thing or matter (resulting from what is spoken)

Root / Etymology

From ῥέω (rheō, 'to flow'), with the original sense likely connected to something that flows out, hence, that which 'flows' from the mouth: speech, saying. Cognate with the root ῥη-/ῥε-/ῥῶ, relating to speaking or flowing.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ῥῆμα referred broadly to 'that which is said,' encompassing words, phrases, and sayings, but was often contrasted with λόγος, which denoted both the act of reasoning and the structured content of speech. In Koine Greek, especially in the LXX and New Testament, ῥῆμα commonly denotes a specific utterance, declaration, or message—often from a divine source (e.g., an angelic pronouncement or prophetic word), but also in general discourse. In the New Testament, ῥῆμα at times carries an official or authoritative sense, as with the 'word' of the Lord or the fulfillment of a saying. English Bibles sometimes translate both λόγος and ῥῆμα as 'word,' but ῥῆμα emphasizes the spoken, event-like character of the utterance, rather than an abstract principle or discourse. The distinction between λόγος (as reasoned or structured message) and ῥῆμα (as specific statement or utterance) is sometimes retained, though not always absolute. Occasionally, ῥῆμα can mean 'thing' or 'event,' especially when the spoken word has actualized results (e.g., Luke 2:15: 'this thing that has happened').

Translation Consistency

primary "word" 68 occurrences

"Word" is the most natural, versatile English equivalent for ῥῆμα, covering a single spoken word, a saying or statement, and broader spoken messages (commands, promises, reports). It’s common in Bible English, fits the typical usage across contexts, and is more natural than more formal options like "utterance."

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ῥέω; an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever:--+ evil, + nothing, saying, word.

Root Family

ῥῆμα (rhēma) — spoken word, utterance, statement, declaration

Root ῥη- to say, to speak, utter

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4487-03 ῥήματα remata N NOM N PL words spoken words words 27
G4487-01 ῥῆμα rema N ACC N SG word utterance word 22
G4487-06 ῥήματος rematos N GEN N SG word of a spoken word of a spoken word 7
G4487-05 ῥημάτων rematon N GEN N PL words of spoken words of spoken words 6
G4487-04 ῥήματι remati N DAT N SG word to a spoken word spoken word 5
G4487-02 ῥήμασιν remasin N DAT N PL words to spoken words words 1

Occurrences in Scripture

68 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4487-04 Matthew 4:4 ῥήματι remati N DAT N SG word to a spoken word spoken word
G4487-01 Matthew 12:36 ῥῆμα rema N ACC N SG word utterance word
G4487-01 Matthew 18:16 ῥῆμα rema N NOM N SG word utterance word
G4487-06 Matthew 26:75 ῥήματος rematos N GEN N SG word of a spoken word of a spoken word
G4487-01 Matthew 27:14 ῥῆμα rema N ACC N SG word utterance word
G4487-01 Mark 9:32 ῥῆμα rema N ACC N SG saying utterance word
G4487-01 Mark 14:72 ῥῆμα rema N ACC N SG word utterance word
G4487-01 Luke 1:37 ῥῆμα rema N NOM N SG word utterance word
G4487-01 Luke 1:38 ῥῆμά rema N ACC N SG word utterance word
G4487-03 Luke 1:65 ῥήματα remata N NOM N PL matters spoken words words
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