The meaning of “λόγος”
Understanding lógos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, r...
λόγος
account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work. - something said (including the thought) - by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive - by extension, a computation - specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 13:22 | “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” Word: λόγος (lógos) | |
| Acts 13:46 | “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Word: λόγος (lógos) | |
| Galatians 6:6 | “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Word: λόγος (lógos) | |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:13 | “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” Word: λόγος (lógos) | |
| Titus 2:5 | “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Word: λόγος (lógos) |
Theological Word Study: Word
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Word, thing, matter
The Hebrew davar (דָּבָר) means word, thing, or matter—God's creative and authoritative speech. 'By the word of the LORD were the heavens made' (Psalm 33:6).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Word, reason, message
The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1).