rhema

Rhema is a term from Koine Greek (rhema, ῥῆμα) meaning "that which is said" or "a spoken word." In Biblical usage, it is often translated as "word" or "saying" and refers to something spoken or revealed, as opposed to logos, which more broadly means "the Word" and is used for the written or proclaimed message in general.

In Christian theology, rhema is commonly used to describe a personal, immediate utterance from God—an inspiration, exhortation, or prophecy delivered to an individual or community. This usage is prominent in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles, where adherents may speak of receiving a rhema from God during prayer or worship. In contrast, logos is often associated with the general message of God revealed in Scripture, the enduring and universal Word.

In the New Testament, rhema occurs in various contexts, often referring to a spoken utterance, a saying, or a divine revelation. An example is the phrase in Luke 1:38, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word," where the Greek word used is rhema. The term can denote divine promises, instructions, or sayings attributed to Jesus or God, depending on the translation.

Scholarly interpretations vary: some distinguish rhema as a specific instant communication, while logos denotes the broader, written or eternal Word. Others argue that the distinction is not universally precise, and that rhema may function as a particular application of the Scriptural message in a believer’s life. The concept is especially prominent in movements that emphasize personal divine guidance through spoken revelations. See also Logos; Word of God; Charismatic movement.