2 syllables: Rhe, ma. Stress on Rhe.
REE-muh
/ˈɹiː.mə/
Rhema is pronounced REE-muh (/ˈɹiː.mə/). It has two syllables (Rhe-ma), with the stress on "Rhe". Rhema is a feminine noun used primarily in Christian theology to denote a specific, spoken or proclaimed divine revelation. It contrasts with rhema as general “logos” or “word,” emphasizing a proclaimed truth for a particular moment. In practice, rhema refers to a message, utterance, or directive believers perceive as inspired and timely, rather than a universal doctrinal term.
nounRhema is a feminine noun used primarily in Christian theology to denote a specific, spoken or proclaimed divine revelation. It contrasts with rhema as general “logos” or “word,” emphasizing a proclaimed truth for a particular moment. In practice, rhema refers to a message, utterance, or directive believers perceive as inspired and timely, rather than a universal doctrinal term.
"She claimed a rhema from God about her next steps in ministry."
"During the sermon, the pastor emphasized that rhema could guide daily decisions, not just distant doctrine."
"Some theologians distinguish rhema from logos, arguing rhema is the personal application of God’s word."
Rhema is pronounced REH-mə with the primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US/UK/AU: /ˈriːmə/. Start with an open, fronted vowel for 'reh' (as in 'reed'), then a relaxed schwa for the second syllable. The final 'ma' is a relaxed schwa; end with a light, unstressed /mə/. For precision, aim for a long-ish first vowel, then a quick, lighter second syllable. Audio references: listen to standard Greek loanword pronunciations in dictionaries and accent-specific YouGlish clips for “rhema” in evangelical usage.
Common errors include: (1) Misplacing stress on the second syllable; ensure primary stress on first syllable: /ˈriːmə/. (2) Overpronouncing the second syllable as 'mah' or 'muh' with a full vowel; use a short, unstressed schwa /ə/. (3) Slurring the syllables into a single beat or inserting extra vowels; keep two distinct syllables: REH- /iː/ + muh /mə/. Correct by practicing 2-syllable pacing with a quiet beat between syllables and listening to native clip examples.
Across US/UK/AU, the main difference is vowel length and quality in the first syllable. US and UK generally maintain /ˈriːmə/, with a long /iː/ from 'reed' and a schwa in the second syllable. Australian English often exhibits a slightly more centralized vowel in the first syllable in casual speech, but for loanword usage it remains close to /ˈriːmə/. Rhoticity does not affect rhema since it ends with -ma; the initial vowel tends to be non-rhotic in British English, but in American and Australian pronunciations the /r/ is influencing the preceding vowel when connected speech occurs.
The difficulty lies in maintaining two-syllable structure with a strong but not overdrawn first vowel and a reduced second syllable. The long /iː/ in the first syllable requires careful tongue height and lip spreading for a clean /riː/. The subsequent /mə/ must be a quick, unstressed schwa, not a full vowel. Additionally, as a Greek loanword, some speakers instinctively anglicize it with 'reh-EE- mah' or 'ree-EM-uh'; avoid that by staying with /ˈriːmə/ and quick transition.
In standard English pronunciation for this Greek loanword, the first syllable is /riː/ (RE E). The combination 'rhe' represents the /riː/ sound in English loanwords. Some learners mispronounce it as /ˈreɪ/ or /ˈrɛ/; correct approach uses the long 'ee' vowel as in 'reed' plus an immediate /mə/. Emphasize the first syllable, but do not overemphasize the 'e' to disrupt the natural flow.
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Rhema comes from the Greek word ῥῆμα (rhēma), meaning “that which is said,” “a spoken word,” or “utterance.” In New Testament Greek, rhema contrasts with logos (the broader “word” or principle). The Greek term ῥῆμα derives from the verb ῥῆνυμι (rhēnymi), meaning “to speak.” In theology, rhema is used to describe a specific, timely, spoken message believed to be inspired by God, as opposed to the general scriptural logos which conveys eternal truth. The term enters English theological discourse via late 19th to 20th century translations and glossaries of Greek biblical terms, where it crystallized as a concept for personal, revelatory communication from the divine. Its usage expanded with Pentecostal and charismatic movements, often tied to personal prophecy, guided prayer, and momentary spiritual insight. Today, rhema remains a technical term in exegesis and popular Christian practice, signifying a particular, perceivedly revelatory utterance rather than a universal pronouncement. First known English usage traces to translations and glossaries in the late 1800s, but the concept has roots in classical Greek biblical scholarship dating to antiquity.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Rhema" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Rhema" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Rhema"
-mma sounds
-ema sounds
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