← G4489 G4491 →

ῥητῶς

rhētōs

G4490 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In an explicit or unambiguous manner; stated clearly or expressly. The adverb ῥητῶς indicates that something is said directly, leaving no doubt as to meaning or intent. It is used to signal that a statement, command, or testimony is precise or specifically articulated, as opposed to being implied, general, or ambiguous.

Semantic Range

explicitly, expressly, in so many words, unambiguously, distinctly, clearly stated

Root / Etymology

From ῥητός (stated, specified, expressly set forth), itself from the verbal root ῥη- (to say, to speak), related to the verb ἐρῶ / εἴρω (to speak, say). The adverbial ending -ῶς denotes 'in the manner of' or 'with respect to.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The adverb ῥητῶς is found sparsely in extant Greek literature, with increased use in formal or legal registers to emphasize that something is specified in so many words. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek—including the Septuagint and New Testament—it typically designates when something is named or commanded explicitly, without recourse to inference. It appears in formal legal documents, contracts, and decrees to demarcate provisions or clauses that are set forth explicitly. In New Testament usage (e.g., Acts 10:28, Hebrews 7:14), ῥητῶς introduces or refers to verbal statements whose content is directly and unambiguously asserted, often connected to scriptural citation or divine instruction. While English translations frequently render ῥητῶς as 'explicitly,' 'expressly,' or 'clearly,' the nuance carried by the adverb lies in the contrast to what is implicit or assumed. The usage remains consistent from classical through Koine periods; however, its prevalence grows in contexts requiring legal or doctrinal precision. The root concept—clear, direct verbalization—is distinct from more general words for 'clarity' or 'plainness' (such as σαφῶς or δηλονότι).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from a derivative of ῥέω; out-spokenly, i.e. distinctly:--expressly.

Root Family

ῥη- (rhēma) — to say, to speak, utter

Root ῥη- to say, to speak, to utter
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G4487 ῥῆμα utterance

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4490-01 ῥητῶς retos ADV expressly explicitly explicitly 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4490-01 1 Timothy 4:1 ῥητῶς retos ADV expressly explicitly explicitly
← G4489 Greek Lexicon G4491 →