The Greek word stóma, represented by G4750, is the primary term for mouth. It appears 79 times across 72 unique verses in the Bible. While its literal meaning refers to the mouth as an opening in the face, it also carries significant implications related to language, figurative openings, and the sharp edge of a weapon.
Beyond its basic anatomical function, G4750 frequently denotes the source or agent of an utterance or action, emphasizing directness and authority. The idiom "to open one's mouth" (ἀνοίγω τὸ στόμα) is a common construction, consistently marking the commencement of significant speech, whether it be teaching a sermon as Jesus did Matthew 5:2, explaining scripture like Philip Acts 8:35, or delivering the gospel message boldly Ephesians 6:19. This opening signifies not merely speaking, but a deliberate and often authoritative act of verbal communication. Furthermore, the concept extends to direct, unmediated interaction, where "face to face" communication is sought over written words, underscoring intimacy and fullness of joy in fellowship 2 John 1:12, 3 John 1:14.
In scripture, G4750 is used in several distinct ways. It is the physical source of speech, directly linking what is spoken to the state of the heart, as stated in the principle, "of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh" Luke 6:45. It is also the instrument for confession leading to salvation Romans 10:9. God uses the mouth of His prophets to communicate His will and foretell future events (Acts 1:16, Acts 3:18). Figuratively, the term describes an opening, such as when "the earth opened her mouth" Revelation 12:16, and also refers to the edge of a sword (Hebrews 11:34, Luke 21:24).
The usage of G4750 also illuminates the various states and capacities of the mouth. It can be deliberately kept shut, symbolizing submission or silent suffering, as seen in the Lamb "dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth" Acts 8:32. Conversely, the mouth can be a source of self-incrimination, where one is judged "out of thine own mouth" Luke 19:22. Beyond individual speech, G4750 describes the mouth as an instrument to be stopped or silenced, whether referring to the mouths of lions by faith Hebrews 11:33 or the mouths of all humanity before God's judgment Romans 3:19. Furthermore, the mouth can be filled with destructive speech, such as "cursing and bitterness" Romans 3:14 or "blasphemies" Revelation 13:5, contrasting sharply with the "gracious words" that proceeded from Jesus' mouth Luke 4:22 or "praise" from the mouths of babes Matthew 21:16. In apocalyptic imagery, the mouth serves as a portal for malevolent entities, as "unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet" Revelation 16:13, signifying the origin and propagation of spiritual deception.
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concepts associated with the mouth and speech:
- G2980 laléō (to talk, i.e. utter words): This verb describes the action of the mouth, the act of speaking itself. It is used to show that the mouth gives voice to the heart's contents Matthew 12:34.
- G3056 lógos (something said (including the thought)): This term refers to the communication or message that comes from the mouth. Paul uses it to warn against corrupt communication (lógos) proceeding from the mouth Ephesians 4:29.
- G4487 rhēma (an utterance (individually, collectively or specially)): This word, often translated as "word," signifies a specific utterance that proceeds from the mouth of God Matthew 4:4.
- G5491 cheîlos (a lip): This refers to a part of the mouth and is often used in parallel with it to describe speech that may not be sincere Matthew 15:8.
- G4751 stómachos (the stomach): This word is a derivative of G4750, referring to the esophagus or stomach, the passage immediately below the mouth. While not used in the New Testament to denote speech, its etymological connection underscores the mouth's role as the entry point for sustenance into the body, as well as the exit for what defiles Matthew 15:17.
The theological importance of G4750 is profound, as it connects the physical with the spiritual.
- Confession unto Salvation: The mouth is the means by which a believer makes a confession of faith, which is integral to salvation Romans 10:10.
- Indicator of Inner Purity: Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that the words from the mouth are a direct reflection of the heart. What proceeds from the mouth is what defiles a person Matthew 15:18, and a pure heart is evidenced by a mouth free of guile 1 Peter 2:22.
- Instrument of Divine Judgment: In apocalyptic visions, the mouth is a source of divine power and judgment. A sharp sword proceeds from Christ's mouth to smite the nations Revelation 19:15, and the Wicked one is consumed by the spirit of the Lord's mouth 2 Thessalonians 2:8.
- Channel of Divine Revelation: The Holy Spirit speaks through the mouth of chosen prophets, establishing scripture and fulfilling God's plans (Acts 1:16, Acts 3:21).
- Source of Blessing and Cursing: The mouth's dual capacity is starkly highlighted as the singular origin from which both blessing and cursing can proceed, a paradox that James condemns as contrary to Christian conduct James 3:10. This emphasizes the profound moral responsibility tied to spoken words.
- Instrument of Unified Worship: G4750 is presented as the collective instrument through which believers can corporately "glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" with "one mind and one mouth" Romans 15:6. This highlights the mouth's role in communal praise and testimony.
- Empowerment for Witness: Jesus promises to grant His disciples "a mouth and wisdom" that their adversaries will be unable to refute Luke 21:15. Here, G4750 signifies divine enablement for effective and unassailable proclamation of the gospel, even in the face of opposition.
- Reception of Divine Word: The imagery of consuming a scroll, sweet in the mouth but bitter in the belly Revelation 10:9, Revelation 10:10, illustrates the mouth's role in the reception and initial experience of God's prophetic word, which can be pleasant at first but difficult in its implications.
The Greek term G4750 (stóma) extends far beyond a simple anatomical reference, serving as a rich theological and metaphorical concept throughout the New Testament. Fundamentally, it denotes the physical mouth, but its profound significance lies in its role as the primary outlet for the inner self. What proceeds from G4750 is consistently portrayed as a direct reflection of the heart's condition, whether revealing guile, purity, or the abundance of good or evil. This makes the mouth a crucial indicator of one's spiritual state and character, emphasizing that words are not merely sounds but expressions of one's deepest being.
G4750 is central to the dynamics of divine and human communication. It is the instrument through which God reveals His will via prophets and Christ Himself, and conversely, it is the means by which humanity responds through confession unto salvation and unified glorification of God. The deliberate act of "opening the mouth" signifies the commencement of authoritative teaching or bold proclamation of the gospel, often with divine enablement for unassailable witness. Yet, the mouth also possesses a dual capacity, able to utter both blessings and cursings, and can be a source of self-condemnation or, conversely, a channel for gracious words and praise. The reception of God's word is also mediated through the mouth, as illustrated by the prophetic imagery of consuming a scroll.
In apocalyptic and prophetic contexts, G4750 takes on powerful symbolic dimensions. It represents the sharp edge of divine judgment, a source of consuming power from Christ, and even the origin of malevolent spiritual forces that propagate deception. Whether facilitating the reception of God's word, serving as a conduit for praise or blasphemy, or symbolizing deliverance from danger or the silencing of adversaries, G4750 consistently links spoken utterance and its various manifestations to profound spiritual realities and their consequences in both the human and divine spheres.
TRV