probably strengthened from a presumed derivative of the base of τομώτερος; the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or edge (of a weapon):--edge, face, mouth.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun στόμα (stóma, `{{G4750}}`) primarily denotes the "mouth" as a physical organ. Its etymological root, possibly related to τομώτερος (tomōteros, "sharper," "cutting"), suggests an initial conception of the mouth as an "opening" or "gash" in the face. From this literal sense, its semantic range expands significantly through metonymy and metaphor. It frequently refers to "speech" or "language" as that which proceeds from the mouth (e.g., "the mouth of the Lord" meaning His word or command). Beyond human and animal anatomy, στόμα can also signify an "opening" in a broader sense, such as the "mouth of the earth" or the "mouth of a well." A particularly potent figurative usage is its application to the "edge" of a weapon, most notably the "edge of a sword," highlighting the cutting or destructive power associated with this part.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
στόμα appears extensively throughout the New Testament, reflecting its diverse semantic range.
1. **Literal Mouth (Speaking, Eating, Breathing):** Most commonly, στόμα refers to the physical mouth. Jesus teaches that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" [[Matthew 4:4]], emphasizing the divine origin of life-sustaining truth. Likewise, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" [[Matthew 12:34]], underscoring the intrinsic link between inner disposition and outward expression. The mouth is also the organ for eating [[Luke 1:64]] and drinking [[John 19:29]].
2. **Speech and Utterance (Metonymy):** The word often serves as a metonym for the speech or words themselves. Paul declares that "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" [[Romans 10:9]], highlighting the mouth's role in public confession of faith. Similarly, the "mouth of the prophet" refers to the message he delivers [[Acts 15:21]].
3. **Divine and Demonic Speech:** στόμα is frequently used to describe the utterances of God, Christ, and even demonic entities. The "mouth of God" in [[Matthew 4:4]] signifies divine decree. In Revelation, a "sharp two-edged sword" comes out of Christ's mouth [[Revelation 1:16]], symbolizing His authoritative judgment and the power of His word. Conversely, "out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet" come "unclean spirits like frogs" [[Revelation 16:13]], illustrating the source of deceptive and evil influence.
4. **Figurative "Edge":** A striking figurative use is "the edge of the sword" (ἐν στόματι μαχαίρης). This imagery, often drawing from the Septuagint's translation of the Hebrew `{{H6310}}` (peh), denotes the cutting or destructive power of a weapon. Heroes of faith "quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword" [[Hebrews 11:34]], signifying deliverance from mortal danger. This concept is powerfully employed in Revelation where Christ's word is like a sword emanating from His mouth, ready to strike down nations [[Revelation 19:15]].
5. **Opening:** Less common but present is the meaning of an "opening." The "mouth of the earth" opening to swallow something or someone is found in [[Revelation 12:16]], echoing Old Testament narratives like Numbers 16.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of στόμα benefits from examining its relationship with several other Greek and Hebrew terms:
* **γλῶσσα (glōssa, `{{G1100}}`):** While στόμα refers to the mouth as the organ, γλῶσσα primarily means "tongue" and, by extension, "language" or a specific "language group." Both are intimately connected to speech, but στόμα often denotes the *source* or *instrument* of speech, while γλῶσσα can refer to the *content* (e.g., speaking in tongues) or the *physical organ within the mouth*.
* **λαλέω (laleō, `{{G2980}}`) and λέγω (legō, `{{G3004}}`):** These verbs mean "to speak" or "to say." στόμα is the physical means by which these actions are performed, highlighting the act of vocalization.
* **ῥῆμα (rhēma, `{{G4487}}`) and λόγος (logos, `{{G3056}}`):** These terms refer to "word," "utterance," or "message." στόμα is the conduit through which ῥῆμα or λόγος is expressed, especially when referring to divine words.
* **μάχαιρα (machaira, `{{G3162}}`) and ῥομφαία (rhomphaia, `{{G4501}}`):** These are words for "sword." The phrase "edge of the sword" (στόμα μαχαίρης/ῥομφαίας) is a significant idiomatic expression where στόμα functions as "edge."
* **Hebrew פֶּה (peh, `{{H6310}}`):** The Hebrew equivalent פֶּה (peh) also carries the primary meaning of "mouth" and extends similarly to "speech," "command," "opening," and "edge" (e.g., "edge of the sword"). This strong semantic overlap underscores the continuity of biblical idiom and theological concepts across testaments.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of στόμα is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Source of Life and Defilement:** The mouth is presented as a conduit for both spiritual life and moral defilement. Jesus teaches that "what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person" [[Matthew 15:18]], emphasizing that true impurity originates internally, manifesting through speech. Conversely, the "word that comes from the mouth of God" [[Matthew 4:4]] is the source of spiritual life and sustenance.
2. **Confession and Proclamation:** The mouth is the organ through which faith is confessed and the Gospel is proclaimed. [[Romans 10:9-10]] makes it clear that oral confession is integral to salvation, linking inner belief with outward declaration. This highlights the public and communal aspect of faith.
3. **Divine Authority and Judgment:** In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, particularly Revelation, Christ's mouth is depicted as the source of a sharp, two-edged sword [[Revelation 1:16]], symbolizing His divine authority, the penetrating power of His word, and His role as ultimate judge. This imagery underscores that God's word is not merely informative but active, powerful, and capable of executing judgment.
4. **Truth and Deception:** The mouth can be a channel for truth, as when apostles speak "the oracles of God" [[Romans 3:2]], or for deception and blasphemy, as seen with the beast in Revelation whose mouth utters "haughty and blasphemous words" [[Revelation 13:5]]. This dual capacity underscores the ethical responsibility associated with speech.
### Summary
The Greek word στόμα (stóma, `{{G4750}}`) is a remarkably versatile term, extending far beyond its literal meaning of "mouth." While fundamentally referring to the physical organ, its semantic range encompasses "speech" and "language" as its primary output, "openings" in a broader sense, and powerfully, the "edge" of a weapon. Biblically, στόμα illuminates the profound connection between the heart and spoken word, the vital role of oral confession in salvation, and the awesome power of divine utterance, whether for life-giving truth or righteous judgment. Its usage, particularly in linking Christ's mouth to a sharp sword, underscores the active, authoritative, and discerning nature of God's word.
TRV