λόγος

a word, speech, divine utterance, analogy

Definition

In the New Testament, λόγος (logos) carries a rich range of meanings. Primarily, it denotes a spoken word, message, or discourse, as seen in Jesus's teaching (Matthew 7:24, 28). It can also refer to a divine command or promise, such as the 'word' of healing in Matthew 8:8. Most profoundly, in John's Gospel, it signifies the pre-existent, divine Word—the very person of Jesus Christ as the ultimate expression of God (John 1:1, 14). Additionally, it can mean an account or reason, as in giving a 'word' of explanation.

Biblical Usage

λόγος is used extensively across the New Testament, appearing over 300 times. It frequently describes the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, especially in the Gospels (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7) and Acts. John's Gospel and epistles use it theologically to identify Jesus. It also appears in practical contexts, like a simple statement (Matthew 5:37) or a report (Matthew 8:16). Paul uses it often for the gospel message (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 1:6).

Etymology

Derived from the verb λέγω (legō, G3004), meaning 'to speak, gather, or reckon.' Its root sense involves the idea of 'laying something forth' or 'reckoning,' which evolved to encompass speech, reason, principle, and computation. This background informs its broad semantic range from a simple spoken word to the rational principle governing the universe, a concept present in Greek philosophy.

Semantic Range

λόγος is one of the most theologically significant words in the New Testament. In John 1, it identifies Jesus as the eternal, divine Word through whom all things were created and who became flesh. This connects to doctrines of Christ's divinity, creation, and revelation. Understanding logos enriches reading by revealing Jesus as God's ultimate self-expression, the logic and wisdom behind creation, and the content of the gospel message itself.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'logos' was a major philosophical term, especially in Stoicism, denoting the rational principle ordering the cosmos. In Jewish thought, influenced by the Old Testament, God's 'word' (dabar) was his powerful, creative agent (Psalm 33:6). John's Gospel bridges these contexts, presenting Jesus as the true, personal Logos who fulfills both Jewish expectation and Hellenistic philosophical search for ultimate reason.

ῥῆμα (rhēma, G4487) — a spoken word, utterance, or matter, often more specific and immediate than the broader λόγος. λόγιον (logion, G3051) — a divine oracle or saying. μῦθος (mythos, G3454) — a tale or fable, contrasted with the true 'word' of God (2 Peter 1:16).

Word Details

Scripture References