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.
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.
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.
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.
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