[Greek] στόμα (stoma), [Latin] os: mouth, body part, speech, voice, words; 79 scriptural examples
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means mouth, organ of speech, word, tongue, mouth of a passage (river), voice, orifice, and message. Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 1032 states “For the mouth of Zeus does not know how to utter falsehood, but will bring to pass every word.” Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus 603 states “The word of the god will compel them.” Euripides’ Orestes 103 states “Good cause for fear; your name is on every tongue.” Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 611 states “I will tell you plainly all that you would like to know, not weaving riddles, but in simple language.”
Old Testament: This term means mouth, opening, taste, hunger, edge, hunger, communication, edge, part, and end. The mouth can be described of God in literal and metaphorical ways. The Word of God can be stated through human mouths. Mouths can illustrate animals, enemies, evil, and epitaphs.
But now the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey (Num.22:28). A large stone covered the mouth of the well (Gen.29:2). Isaac preferred Esau, because he was found of game (Gen.25:28). All my people shall dart at your command (Gen.41:40). They had put Hamor and his son Shechem to the sword (Gen.34:26). You shall see the king of Babylon and speak to him face to face (Jer.34:3). For his mouth urges him on (Pro.16:26).
New Testament: This terms means mouth, speech, utterance, sharp edge, speaking, prophesying, and speaking in truth. Old Testament prophecy is illustrated through the words (mouth) of God and the prophets. God is personified as having a mouth. References are made to the mouths of animals, dragons, fish, and the earth. Jesus conveys the important doctrinal truths that what comes out of the mouth (which defiles) comes from the heart. Testimony by witnesses is considered what comes out of the mouth.
Scripture:
“And said to them, ‘Do you hear what they are saying?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Yes; and have you never read the text, ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nurslings, you have brought fort praise.’” Mt.21:16
Jesu conveys the important truth that one’s attempt to praise God is so inadequate. This attempt is little more than baby talk.
“It is not what enter one’s mouth that defiles that person; what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Mt.15:11
Jesus dispels the importance of Jewish purification rituals. Jesus points out what defiles (and comes out of the mouth) comes from the heart.
“To fulfill what had been said through the prophet; ‘I will open my mouth in parable, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.’”Mt.13:35
Jesus frequently make reference to Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament. Jesus prophecies that He will use parables to convey His teachings.
Conclusion:
Stomach
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it is perhaps not surprising that this term is used in many ways. This era begins the notion that gods have ‘mouths.’ Even the ‘word’ of the gods has power. The more nuanced examples include tongue, lips, with one voice, and mouths of water.
In the Old Testament, God also takes on human characteristics of a mouth in a literal or metaphorical way. The word of God can be spoken with human mouths. Mouths can also refer to animals and evil.
In the New Testament, this term is used extensively. Jesus conveys an important truth that what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart. The words of Old Testament prophets come forth. Testimony comes from the mouths of eyewitnesses. Interestingly, 2 or 3 must be gathered to provide a true witness for a crime. One person’s testimony by itself was not adequate.
Not to put words in one’s mouth, but this term has become very prolific through history.