The rhema word – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Two Greek words are translated as “word” in the New Testament: logos and rhema. Logos often refers to God’s revealed message in its entirety, such as the written Word of God or Christ Himself as the living Word (John 1:1; Hebrews 4:12). Rhema is a more general term meaning a spoken word, statement, or saying. It can describe anything said aloud—from ordinary conversation to a direct message from God.

Some teachers use rhema to describe a personal, specific word from God to an individual. Verses like Romans 10:17 are sometimes cited to support the idea that believers should anticipate such a word from the Holy Spirit. However, in context, rhema simply referred to the message of the gospel. The New Testament also uses rhema in ordinary, non-spiritual situations—such as when Peter responds to Jesus’ instruction about fishing (Luke 5:5)—indicating that the word itself does not have a special, mystical meaning.

While God sometimes gave specific words or guidance through His Spirit, any genuine message from God will always align perfectly with the written Word. The Bible remains the complete and sufficient revelation of God’s truth, and all claimed “rhema words” must be tested against it (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 John 4:1).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God created the world by His word (Genesis 1; Psalm 33:6), demonstrating that what He speaks accomplishes His will.
• Isaiah declares that God’s word “shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose” (Isaiah 55:11).
• The prophets consistently introduced their messages with “Thus says the LORD” (e.g., Jeremiah 1:9), showing that divine revelation was clear and authoritative—not mystical or private.
• At the same time, God warned against false prophets who claimed to speak for Him but contradicted His revealed truth (Deuteronomy 13:1–3; Jeremiah 23:16–22).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament uses two main Greek words for “word”: logos and rhema. Logos often refers to God’s complete revelation—His written Word as in Hebrews 4:12 and His living word, Jesus and Christ (John 1:1).
• Rhema, by contrast, means a spoken word or saying. Some charismatic teachers emphasize this distinction, teaching that rhema refers to a personal or immediate word from God. They often cite Romans 10:17 as evidence that believers should expect such personal revelation from the Holy Spirit: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word [rhema] of Christ.”However, in context, Paul was describing the gospel, not individual revelation. The “rhema of Christ” in Romans 10:17 refers to the proclaimed message about Him, the same good news that brings faith to those who hear and believe (Romans 10:14–15). Paul’s point was that saving faith comes through hearing the gospel, not through receiving a separate or private word from God.
• Rhema is also used in completely ordinary ways, showing that the word itself does not inherently carry a spiritual or mystical meaning. When Jesus told Peter to let down his nets for a catch, Peter answered, “At your word [rhema] I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5). After the resurrection, Luke recorded, “They remembered his words [rhemata]” (Luke 24:8), using the plural form of rhema to refer to the things Jesus had previously said. And in Acts 11:16, Peter recalled Jesus’ promise, saying, “I remembered the word [rhema] of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” These examples confirm that the word itself is neutral; its meaning depends entirely on context, not on any special or supernatural sense attached to it.
• All of God’s revelation is complete and sufficient. Paul wrote, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). God’s Word provides everything believers need to know and follow Him. No additional revelation is necessary for faith or obedience.
• While God may guide believers through His Spirit in applying His Word, any claimed “word from God” must fully align with what He has already spoken. The Spirit never contradicts the Scripture He inspired. As John warns, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1; cf. Galatians 1:8). Our confidence rests not in seeking new revelation but in trusting the perfect, sufficient Word God has already given through the apostles and prophets.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Banks let customers know about the many scams of those impersonating bank employees to get customer information. The tell for these scams is usually that the scammer asks for information no bank employee ever would.

Believers also need to be wary of those claiming to have a “word from God.” The tell for us, though, is whether the claimed divine message aligns with Scripture. If it does, then the “word” won’t tell us anything we don’t already know. If it doesn’t, we can ignore it.

God has already spoken clearly and completely through His Word. During the time when the New Testament was still being written, the Holy Spirit sometimes gave direct revelations to certain believers for the growth of the early church (Ephesians 3:5). But now that we have the completed Scriptures, everything God intends for us to know about life and godliness has already been revealed (2 Peter 1:3).

Any word or impression we think we hear today must fully agree with Scripture because the Spirit never contradicts what He has inspired. In that sense, even a true “word” from God would simply echo truths already written in His Word. Rather than waiting for a new message from heaven to understand God’s will, all we need to do is read the one He has already given.

Instead of waiting for a private revelation, open the Bible with expectation and faith. God speaks through it every time you read. There, you will find wisdom, correction, comfort, and clear guidance for every part of life.

UNDERSTAND

• Rhema means a spoken word, not a secret message from God.
• Rhema often refers to the gospel, not personal revelation.
• God’s Word is complete, and all messages must align with it.

REFLECT

• How do you distinguish between what you feel is a “word from God” and what Scripture actually says?
• How does trusting God’s complete Word affect your faith and the way you live?
• How can you grow in applying God’s Word in your life instead of seeking personal, mystical messages?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding rhema as a spoken word rather than a secret message change the way we interpret Scripture?
• What encourages you in the way that God communicates?
• How can we help each other test claimed “words from God” to ensure they align with the Bible?