1. Introduction
The Greek term ῥῆμα (Rhema) is commonly translated as word, saying, utterance, or thing spoken. While modern Charismatic theology often defines Rhema as a specific spoken word from God applied to a situation, a thorough analysis of biblical usage and Greek semantics provides a clearer understanding.
2. Lexical Meaning of Rhema
2.1 General Greek Meaning
| Term | Basic Meaning |
|---|---|
| ῥῆμα (Rhema) | That which is spoken, an utterance, saying, command, or matter/thing spoken about. |
Key nuance: Rhema emphasises the spoken or verbal aspect of communication.
3. Biblical Usage
3.1 Old Testament (Septuagint – LXX)
In the Greek Old Testament, Rhema is used to translate Hebrew words like “dabar” (word, matter, thing) emphasising:
- Spoken words of God or people.
- Events or matters declared.
3.2 New Testament Usage
| Reference | Translation (ESV/NIV) | Context and Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Luke 1:38 | “Let it be to me according to your word (Rhema).” | Mary’s response to Gabriel’s spoken promise about Jesus’ birth. |
| Luke 2:19 | “Mary treasured up all these things (Rhemata).” | Words, events, or spoken sayings about Jesus’ birth. |
| Luke 4:4 | “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (Rhema) of God.” | Jesus quoting Deuteronomy; Rhema here refers to Scripture spoken. |
| Acts 5:20 | “Go… tell the people all the words (Rhemata) of this life.” | Angelic command to proclaim the gospel message. |
| Romans 10:17 | “Faith comes by hearing… the word (Rhema) of Christ.” | The proclaimed gospel message that births faith. |
| Ephesians 6:17 | “The sword of the Spirit… the word (Rhema) of God.” | Often interpreted as spoken Scripture declarations in spiritual warfare. |
| Hebrews 11:3 | “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word (Rhema) of God.” | God’s spoken command in creation. |
3.3 Observations on Usage
- Rhema refers to spoken words, sayings, commands, or messages.
- It includes Scripture when spoken, gospel proclamation, divine commands, and ordinary speech.
- It is not confined to personal prophetic words in NT usage.
4. Distinction from Logos
While Logos has a broader semantic range including word, message, reason, discourse, and Christ Himself as the divine Word (John 1:1), Rhema focuses on:
| Aspect | Rhema Emphasis |
|---|---|
| Verbal/Spoken nature | Specific utterances, spoken sayings, or articulated words. |
| Application | Used for commands, promises, Scripture quotations, or gospel proclamations. |
However, NT usage shows overlap, and the rigid doctrinal separation popular in some modern teachings is not linguistically absolute (Carson, 1996; Fee, 1994).
5. Theological Implications
5.1 Spirit-Given Words
The NT context allows Rhema to refer to:
- Prophetic utterances (though propheteia is the specific Greek word for prophecy).
- Spirit-illuminated Scripture, where verses become particularly alive to a believer’s situation.
5.2 Final Authority
All Rhema words, as spoken words from God or proclaimed messages, are subject to the Logos of Scripture for testing and confirmation (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21; 1 John 4:1).
6. Summary Definition
| Term | Biblical Definition |
|---|---|
| Rhema | That which is spoken, uttered, or declared; refers to spoken words, sayings, commands, or messages, including Scripture when spoken or proclaimed. |
6.1 Practical Theological Understanding
In pastoral and devotional teaching:
- Rhema is often applied to Spirit-quickened words from Scripture or specific guidance, encouraging believers to listen to God personally within the framework of Scriptural authority and communal discernment.
7. Conclusion
Biblically, Rhema means “spoken word, saying, or utterance,” emphasising the verbal aspect of communication. It is used for:
- Spoken promises and commands.
- Scripture quotations when spoken.
- The proclaimed gospel message.
- General sayings or speech.
While modern usage emphasises Rhema as personal words from God, NT usage shows it is broader, encompassing any spoken communication, including God’s Word declared.
8. 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.
- Kittel, G., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Vol. 4). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
- Morris, L. (1995). The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.