Brief Overview of ῥῆμα (Strong’s G4487: rhēma)

Strong’s G4487: A neuter noun derived from ἐρῶ (to speak), referring to that which is spoken, an utterance, or word. In the New Testament, it often carries special significance as a divine utterance or specific word from God, distinguishing it from λόγος as more immediate or personal divine communication.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥῆμα represents a specific, spoken word or utterance, particularly significant in contexts of divine communication. While λόγος often refers to the broader message or discourse, ῥῆμα typically denotes specific sayings or declarations, especially those from God. In the New Testament, it appears in crucial moments like the angel’s announcement to Mary and Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness. Early church fathers distinguished ῥῆμα as God’s immediate, personal word to individuals or situations. Today, it remains significant in understanding how God speaks both through Scripture and personal revelation to believers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥῆμα, rhēma, /ray-mah/
• Detailed pronunciation: RAY-mah (with emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• Root: ἐρ- (from ἐρῶ, to speak)
• Suffix: -μα (indicates result of action)
• Formation follows pattern of Greek nouns indicating the result or product of verbal action

D – Defining Meanings

• A spoken word or utterance
• A specific declaration or statement
• A divine pronouncement
• That which is spoken in a specific context

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a simple derivative with a result suffix.

Translation Options:

• “word” – emphasizing the specific utterance
• “declaration” – highlighting its authoritative nature
• “spoken word” – distinguishing from written word

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λόγος (logos) /log-os/ – word as broader concept or message
  See G3056
• λαλιά (lalia) /lal-ee-ah/ – speech or way of speaking
  See G2981

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a neuter noun:

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

Example forms:

• Nominative/Accusative singular: ῥῆμα
• Genitive singular: ῥήματος
• Dative singular: ῥήματι
• Nominative/Accusative plural: ῥήματα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for specific utterances, especially divine declarations. Thayer’s notes its distinction from λόγος in referring to specific sayings. LSJ provides classical usage examples showing concrete spoken words. Vine’s highlights its importance in divine communication. Strong’s connects it to definite speech acts. Moulton and Milligan document its use in official pronouncements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

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

Additional References:
Luke 1:38
Luke 2:29
Luke 3:2
John 3:34
John 6:63
John 6:68
Acts 10:44
Romans 10:17
Ephesians 6:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥῆμα beautifully captures the personal and immediate nature of God’s communication with His people. It proclaims the good news that God not only gave us His written word but continues to speak personally and specifically into our lives through Christ. This word reminds us that King Jesus is not distant but intimately involved in communicating His truth and love to His people.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word is used significantly in describing angelic announcements in the Gospel narratives.
2. Early Christians made a theological distinction between ῥῆμα as immediate word and λόγος as eternal word.
3. Modern Charismatic movements often emphasize ῥῆμα in discussing personal prophecy or divine guidance.

Strong’s G4487: A neuter noun derived from ἐρῶ (to speak), referring to that which is spoken, an utterance, or word. In the New Testament, it often carries special significance as a divine utterance or specific word from God, distinguishing it from λόγος as more immediate or personal divine communication.

Part of speech: Noun (neuter)

Tags: word, utterance, divine declaration, spoken word, God’s voice, revelation, prophecy, communication, specific word, personal word, Scripture, divine speech​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​