What is a “Rhema”?

Scripture for personal application

The Word of God

There are two primary Greek words that describe Scripture which are
translated word in the New Testament. The first, logos,
refers principally to the total inspired Word of God and to Jesus, Who
is the living Logos.

Biblical Examples of Logos

The following passages of Scripture give examples of the logos of God:

• “In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the
  Word [logos] was with God, and the Word [logos] was
  God” (John 1:1).


• “The seed is the word [logos] of God”
  (Luke 8:11).


• “Holding forth the word [logos] of life”
  (Philippians 2:16).


• “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth
  not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word [logos] of truth”
  (II Timothy 2:15).


• “For the word [logos] of God is quick, and
  powerful” (Hebrews 4:12).


• “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
  by the word [logos] of God, which liveth and abideth
  forever” (I Peter 1:23).

Rhema—The Spoken Word

The second primary Greek word that describes Scripture is rhema, which
refers to a word that is spoken and
means “an utterance.” A rhema is a verse or portion of Scripture
that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention with application to a current
situation or need for direction.

Every word of God is inspired, and “all scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16). It is the Holy Spirit
Who illuminates particular Scriptures for application in a daily walk with the Lord.

The words of Jesus are significant on this point. “Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word [rhema] that proceedeth out of the
mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus also stated, “The words
[rhema] that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life”
(John 6:63).

When God gives a rhema for us to act upon, He often confirms it
by a second rhema, that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses
shall every word [rhema] be established” (II Corinthians 13:1).

Biblical Insights Into Rhemas

The following passages of Scripture provide insight into the rhemas of God:

• “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word
  [rhema] of God” (Romans 10:17).


• “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
  Spirit, which is the word [rhema] of God” (Ephesians 6:17).


• “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
  church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it
  with the washing of water by the word [rhema]”
  (Ephesians 5:25–26).


• “If ye abide in me, and my words [rhema] abide in you, ye
  shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7).

Biblical Examples of Rhemas

The following passages of Scripture give examples of the rhemas of God:

• When Jesus told Peter to cast the fishing nets on the other side of the boat,
  Peter answered, “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have
  taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word [rhema] I will let
  down the net” (Luke 5:5).


• When the angel told Mary that she would have a child, “Mary said,
  Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word
  [rhema]” (Luke 1:38).


• Simeon recalled the promise that he would see Christ before he died:
  “Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy
  word [rhema]” (Luke 2:29).


• God gave John the message he was to preach as a forerunner to Christ:
  “The word [rhema] of God came unto John”
  (Luke 3:2).


• God reminded Peter of His Word: “Then remembered I the word [rhema]
  of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye
  shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 11:16).


• Jesus told Peter he would deny Him. “Peter remembered the word
  [rhema] of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow,
  thou shalt deny me thrice” (Matthew 26:75).

How do I “get” a rhema?

In the regular course of our daily reading of God’s Word (logos),
we need to ask God to speak to us through His Word and give us insight
into it. The Holy Spirit can cause certain passages to stand out with
significant meaning or application for our lives. These are the rhemas of
Scripture and should become a part of our daily thoughts and actions.