Brief Overview of στόμα (Strong’s G4750: stoma)

Strong’s G4750: The mouth, as the organ of speech, eating, and breathing. By metonymy, refers to speech, utterance, or words spoken. In biblical usage, carries profound spiritual significance as the source of both blessing and cursing, truth and falsehood, praise and blasphemy.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στόμα represents more than just the physical mouth; it embodies the power of speech and its spiritual implications. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from consuming food to proclaiming God’s truth. Jesus uses this word when quoting Deuteronomy about living by God’s Word. The early church recognized στόμα as a powerful instrument for either blessing or cursing, truth or falsehood. This understanding continues to be relevant today, reminding us that our words have spiritual power and that we are called to use our mouths to glorify God and speak His truth.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στόμα, stoma, /sto’-mah/
• Detailed Pronunciation: STOH-mah (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *stomen- meaning “mouth”
• Basic noun form without additional affixes
  The word is one of the most ancient and basic terms in Indo-European languages.

D – Defining Meanings

• Physical mouth as an organ
• Speech or utterance
• Edge or point (of a sword)
• Opening or entrance

For compound words: Not applicable as στόμα is a simple noun.

Translation Options:

1. “Mouth” – Physical organ and source of speech
2. “Words” – When used metonymically for speech
3. “Opening” – When used for entrances or apertures

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. γλῶσσα (glōssa) /gloce’-sah/ – tongue, language. See G1100
2. χεῖλος (cheilos) /khi’-los/ – lip, edge, shore. See G5491
3. λόγος (logos) /log’-os/ – word, speech, reason. See G3056

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, στόμα exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative/Genitive/Dative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Singular: στόμα (nominative/accusative), στόματος (genitive), στόματι (dative)
• Plural: στόματα (nominative/accusative), στομάτων (genitive), στόμασι(ν) (dative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its literal and figurative uses in biblical texts. Thayer’s notes its extensive metaphorical usage. LSJ documents its evolution from physical organ to metaphorical meanings. Vine’s highlights its spiritual significance. Strong’s connects it to eating and speaking. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in everyday language.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the [στόμα] mouth of God.”‘” Matthew 4:4

Additional References:
Matthew 12:34
Luke 6:45
Romans 10:10
James 3:10
Revelation 1:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στόμα powerfully illustrates how our speech reveals our spiritual condition. Jesus teaches that what comes from our mouth flows from our heart. Through our mouths, we confess faith in the Messiah, praise God, and proclaim His truth. This reminds us that our words should reflect our transformation in the Messiah and be used to build up others and glorify God.

D – Did You Know?

1. The medical term “stomatology” (study of the mouth) comes from στόμα.
2. In Revelation, the two-edged sword from Jesus’ mouth symbolizes the power of His word.
3. Ancient Greek rhetoric teachers paid special attention to στόμα in teaching proper speech and pronunciation.

Strong’s G4750: The mouth, as the organ of speech, eating, and breathing. By metonymy, refers to speech, utterance, or words spoken. In biblical usage, carries profound spiritual significance as the source of both blessing and cursing, truth and falsehood, praise and blasphemy.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: mouth, speech, words, confession, praise, truth-speaking, spiritual-warfare, testimony, proclamation, greek-noun​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​