Word (Rhema)
ῥῆμα (rhēma)
A spoken word — a specific, timely utterance from God that activates faith.
Rhēma is the Greek word for a spoken word or utterance, often referring to a specific, timely word from God. While logos emphasizes the total message, rhēma emphasizes the individual, living, active declaration.
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." — Romans 10:17 (KJV)
Key Verses
Ephesians 6:17
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”Read in context
Matthew 4:4
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G4487 — Word (Rhema) (ῥῆμα (rhēma))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ῥῆμα (rhēma) appears.
Open Strong's G4487Etymology and Original Meaning
Rhēma comes from the verb rheō, meaning 'to speak' or 'to say.' It emphasizes the act of speaking — a specific, concrete utterance rather than a general body of truth. While logos tends to refer to the whole message or principle, rhēma highlights the particular word spoken in a specific moment — the living voice of God addressing a concrete situation.
Rhēma vs. Logos
Both rhēma and logos are translated 'word' in English, but they carry different nuances. Logos is the comprehensive message — the total revealed truth (John 1:1). Rhēma is the specific application — the particular word that comes alive in the moment. A preacher may teach logos (doctrine), but a specific verse that pierces the heart is rhēma — God speaking directly to a need.
Faith Comes by Hearing
Romans 10:17 uses rhēma: 'Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word (rhēma) of God.' Faith is activated when God's specific word penetrates the heart. It is not merely intellectual knowledge of doctrine but the living, personal, timely utterance of God that creates the capacity to believe and respond.
The Sword of the Spirit
Ephesians 6:17 identifies the Spirit's sword as the rhēma of God — not the Bible sitting on a shelf but specific Scripture wielded in specific situations. When Jesus faced temptation, He answered each with a targeted rhēma: 'It is written...' (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). The Spirit brings the right word to mind at the right moment — that is rhēma in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does rhema mean in the Bible?
Rhēma means a spoken word or specific utterance — a timely, living word from God that addresses a particular situation. It is God's word made personal and active in the moment.
What is the difference between logos and rhema?
Logos refers to the total message, the comprehensive revelation (e.g., 'the Word of God' as Scripture or Christ). Rhēma refers to a specific, spoken utterance — a particular word from God that activates faith in a concrete moment.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Word (Rhema)"?
Romans 10:17 — "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (KJV). It also appears in Ephesians 6:17, Matthew 4:4.
Why does the Greek word behind "Word (Rhema)" matter?
Rhēma comes from the verb rheō, meaning 'to speak' or 'to say.' It emphasizes the act of speaking — a specific, concrete utterance rather than a general body of truth. English uses one word, "Word (Rhema)", where the Greek ῥῆμα (rhēma) carries the fuller sense: a spoken word — a specific, timely utterance from god that activates faith.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Word (Rhema) (ῥῆμα (rhēma))
A spoken word — a specific, timely utterance from God that activates faith.
Strong's G4487 — Word (Rhema)
ῥῆμα (rhēma) • A spoken word — a specific, timely utterance from God that activates faith.
Word (Logos) (λόγος (logos))
The comprehensive divine self-expression — reason, message, and ultimately Christ Himself.
Romans 10:17 — Meaning & Devotional
Faith
Romans 10:17 Commentary
In-depth study • Faith
Psalm 55:21 Commentary
In-depth study • Smooth Words, Hidden Swords
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