### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **cheîlos**, represented by `{{G5491}}`, refers to a **lip** or, figuratively, a margin like a **shore**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used both literally to denote the edge of the sea and metaphorically to represent human speech, particularly in the context of praise, honor, or deceit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5491}}` often highlights the state of a person's heart. It is used to describe insincere worship, where people honor God with their **lips** while their heart is far from Him ([[Matthew 15:8]]; [[Mark 7:6]]). Conversely, it can signify genuine praise, as in the "fruit of our **lips**," which is described as a sacrifice to God [[Hebrews 13:15]]. The term also carries a negative connotation, associated with deceitful speech and the "poison of asps" that is under the **lips** of the wicked [[Romans 3:13]]. In a literal sense, it is used to describe the sand on the sea **shore** to illustrate the innumerable descendants promised to Abraham [[Hebrews 11:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G5491}}` by focusing on the organs and act of speech:
* `{{G1100}}` **glōssa** (tongue): Defined as **the tongue**, this word is frequently paired with **lips**. Scripture warns to refrain the **tongue** from evil and the **lips** from speaking guile, showing their close relationship [[1 Peter 3:10]].
* `{{G4750}}` **stóma** (mouth): Meaning **the mouth**, this term is used in conjunction with `{{G5491}}` to describe outward expression. For instance, people may draw near to God with their **mouth** while honoring him with their **lips** [[Matthew 15:8]].
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk): As a verb meaning **to talk, i.e. utter words**, it defines the action of the lips. This is seen when God promises to **speak** to his people with "other **lips**" [[1 Corinthians 14:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5491}}` is centered on the integrity of human expression and worship.
* **Authentic vs. Inauthentic Worship:** The term is critically used to distinguish between outward religious expression and the true condition of the heart. Jesus quotes Isaiah to condemn hypocrites who honor God with their **lips** but whose hearts are far away [[Mark 7:6]].
* **The Instrument of Praise or Deceit:** Lips are portrayed as a vehicle for both good and evil. They can produce the "fruit of our **lips**" in grateful praise to God [[Hebrews 13:15]] or be used for guile and wickedness [[Romans 3:13]].
* **Divine Communication:** The concept of **lips** is used to describe God's own method of speaking to humanity. In [[1 Corinthians 14:21]], the Lord declares He will speak to His people through "other **lips**," signifying a new form of communication.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5491}}` is much more than a physical feature. It functions as a powerful symbol for speech and expression, forcing a distinction between empty words and meaningful worship. Whether describing the praise offered to God, the deceit of the unrighteous, or the literal edge of the sea, **cheîlos** consistently points to what is being poured forth, be it from the heart of a person or the boundary of an ocean.
TRV