Brief Overview of ῥητῶς (Strong’s G4490: rhētōs)

Strong’s G4490: An adverb meaning “expressly,” “explicitly,” or “in specific terms.” Used in the New Testament to emphasize direct divine revelation or clear spiritual warning. In 1 Timothy, it introduces a specific prophetic warning about false teachings, highlighting the Spirit’s clear and explicit communication.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥητῶς carries significant weight in conveying divine clarity and specificity in spiritual communication. In its New Testament context, it emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s explicit and unambiguous warnings about future apostasy. Early church fathers often used this term to distinguish clear apostolic teachings from uncertain traditions or spurious claims. Today, it reminds us that God communicates His truth clearly and specifically, particularly regarding spiritual deception and faithfulness to sound doctrine.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥητῶς, rhētōs, /ray-toce/
• Detailed pronunciation: ray-TOCE (with emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• From ῥητός (spoken, stated)
• Related to ῥῆμα (word, statement)
• Adverbial suffix -ως indicating manner
• Ultimate root in ἐρῶ (to speak, say)

D – Defining Meanings

• Explicitly, expressly
• In clear terms
• Specifically stated
• Without ambiguity

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but an adverbial form.

Translation Options:

• “expressly” – emphasizing clear statement
• “explicitly” – highlighting unambiguous nature
• “specifically” – focusing on precise communication

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φανερῶς (phanerōs) /fan-er-oce/ – openly, manifestly
  See G5320
• σαφῶς (saphōs) /saf-oce/ – clearly, plainly
  See G4531

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb:

• Invariable form (no inflection)
• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Derived from adjective ῥητός
• Follows standard -ως adverb formation

Cross-references:

• Related verb: ἐρῶ (to say)
• Related noun: ῥῆμα (word)
• Related adjective: ῥητός (stated)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in formal or official pronouncements. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine communication. LSJ provides examples from legal and formal contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in prophetic warnings. Strong’s connects it to clearly spoken words. Moulton and Milligan document its use in official declarations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Now the Spirit [ῥητῶς] expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,” 1 Timothy 4:1

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥητῶς powerfully demonstrates God’s commitment to clear communication with His people. Its use in warning about false teachings proclaims the good news that King Jesus ensures His church receives clear guidance through His Spirit. This word reminds us that God doesn’t leave us to guess about truth but speaks explicitly through His Word and Spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in Greek legal documents to indicate explicit terms.
2. Early Christian writers used this term to distinguish authentic apostolic teachings from heresies.
3. Its usage in 1 Timothy represents the only New Testament instance where the Spirit’s communication is described with this particular emphasis.

Strong’s G4490: An adverb meaning “expressly,” “explicitly,” or “in specific terms.” Used in the New Testament to emphasize direct divine revelation or clear spiritual warning. In 1 Timothy, it introduces a specific prophetic warning about false teachings, highlighting the Spirit’s clear and explicit communication.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: explicitly, expressly, clearly, Spirit’s warning, divine communication, prophecy, false teaching, apostasy, Timothy, spiritual discernment, clarity, divine revelation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​