1. Introduction
The term Rhema (ῥῆμα) is used widely in Charismatic and Pentecostal theology to refer to:
- Personal words from God.
- Prophetic utterances.
- Spirit-illuminated Scripture applied specifically to life.
A robust understanding requires:
- Examining the Greek lexical meaning.
- Studying New Testament usage.
- Assessing its theological implications.
2. Lexical Meaning and Biblical Usage
2.1 Basic Greek Meaning
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rhema | That which is spoken, utterance, saying, word. Emphasises the spoken or verbal aspect compared to Logos, which has broader semantic range (message, reason, principle, word). |
2.2 New Testament Usage
| Context | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Spoken commands or promises | Direct words to individuals. | Luke 1:38 – Mary: “Let it be to me according to your Rhema.” |
| Scripture quotations | Written Word cited and spoken. | Luke 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Rhema of God.” |
| Preached gospel message | Proclamation of Christ’s message. | Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing… the Rhema of Christ.” |
| General speech or sayings | Ordinary speech. | Acts 5:20 – “Go… tell the people all the Rhema of this life.” |
2.3 Observations
- Rhema is used both for ordinary speech and divine communication.
- It includes spoken Scripture quotations, gospel preaching, and specific commands.
3. Theological Perspectives
3.1 Rhema as a Personal Word from God
Charismatic View
- Rhema is a specific, Spirit-given word to an individual or situation, often experienced as an impression, inner conviction, or direct communication.
Biblical Basis
While Rhema in the NT broadly refers to spoken words, experiences such as:
- Acts 13:2: The Spirit said, “Set apart Barnabas and Saul…”
- Acts 16:6–10: Spirit-led direction for Paul’s missionary journey.
These illustrate God speaking specifically, though the term Rhema itself is not used in these texts.
3.2 Rhema as Prophecy
Prophetic Contexts
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| NT prophecy | Spirit-inspired utterances for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). |
| Use of Rhema | While Rhema is not the primary NT word for prophecy (propheteia), it describes spoken words, and prophecy may include Rhema utterances. |
3.3 Rhema as Illumination of Scripture
Charismatic and Reformed Integration
- Many believers testify that Scripture verses become “alive” in prayer or meditation, addressing specific needs or decisions.
- This is often described as a Rhema word – Spirit-illuminated application of Logos.
Biblical Precedent
- Luke 24:32 – Disciples’ hearts burned as Jesus opened Scripture to them.
- John 14:26 – The Spirit teaches and reminds believers of Jesus’ words.
4. Scholarly Perspectives
| Scholar | Viewpoint |
|---|---|
| Fee (1994) | Rhema and Logos overlap; distinctions are contextual, not doctrinally rigid. Spirit illuminates Scripture and gives specific guidance within Scriptural parameters. |
| Carson (1996) | Cautions against lexical fallacies constructing theological categories not grounded in usage. Rhema broadly refers to spoken words, including Scripture and gospel proclamation. |
| Grudem (2000) | Prophecy involves Spirit-inspired words; Rhema may refer to specific applications or prophetic utterances but always subject to Scriptural testing. |
5. Summary Table
| Understanding | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Personal word from God | Rhema can refer to specific Spirit-given guidance or command, though NT usage of Rhema is broader than personal revelation alone. |
| Prophecy | Prophetic utterances may be Rhema words, but Rhema is not confined to prophecy in NT usage. |
| Illumination of Scripture | Rhema includes spoken Scripture and can describe Spirit-quickened application of Scriptural truths to life. |
6. Conclusion
Biblically, Rhema is best understood as spoken words, commands, or messages from God, including:
- Scripture quotations.
- Preached gospel message.
- Specific spoken commands or guidance.
In practical theology:
- Rhema may be a personal word from God, a prophetic utterance, or Spirit-illuminated Scripture, but it never stands above or apart from Scripture. All Rhema words must be:
- Tested by Scripture (Logos).
- Discerned wisely within the believing community.
- Christ-centred and aligned with God’s character and redemptive purposes.
7. References
- Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker.
- Fee, G. D. (1994). God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul. Peabody: Hendrickson.
- Grudem, W. (2000). The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today. Leicester: IVP.
- Kittel, G., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Vol. 4). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.