Difference between revisions of "Word"

<div> '''1: '''''Λόγος''''' ''' (Strong'S #3056 — Noun Masculine — logos — log'-os ) </div> <p> denotes (I) "the expression of thought," not the mere name of an object, (a) as embodying a conception or idea, e.g., &nbsp;Luke 7:7; &nbsp;1—Corinthians 14:9,19; (b) a saying or statement, (1) by God, e.g., &nbsp;John 15:25; &nbsp;Romans 9:9; &nbsp;9:28 , RV, "word" (AV, "work"); &nbsp;Galatians 5:14; &nbsp;Hebrews 4:12; (2) by Christ, e.g., &nbsp;Matthew 24:35 (plur.); &nbsp; John 2:22; &nbsp;4:41; &nbsp;14:23 (plur.); 15:20. In connection with (1) and (2) the phrase "the word of the Lord," i.e., the revealed will of God (very frequent in the OT), is used of a direct revelation given by Christ, &nbsp; 1—Thessalonians 4:15; of the gospel, &nbsp;Acts 8:25; &nbsp;13:49; &nbsp;15:35,36; &nbsp;16:32; &nbsp;19:10; &nbsp;1—Thessalonians 1:8; &nbsp;2—Thessalonians 3:1; in this respect it is the message from the Lord, delivered with His authority and made effective by His power (cp. &nbsp;Acts 10:36 ); for other instances relating to the gospel see &nbsp;Acts 13:26; &nbsp;14:3; &nbsp;15:7; &nbsp;1—Corinthians 1:18 , RV; &nbsp;2—Corinthians 2:17; &nbsp;4:2; &nbsp;5:19; &nbsp;6:7; &nbsp;Galatians 6:6; &nbsp;Ephesians 1:13; &nbsp;Philippians 2:16; &nbsp;Colossians 1:5; &nbsp;Hebrews 5:13; sometimes it is used as the sum of God's utterances, e.g., &nbsp;Mark 7:13; &nbsp;John 10:35; &nbsp;Revelation 1:2,9; (c) discourse, speech, of instruction, etc., e.g., &nbsp;Acts 2:40; &nbsp;1—Corinthians 2:13; &nbsp;12:8; &nbsp;2—Corinthians 1:18; &nbsp;1—Thessalonians 1:5; &nbsp;2—Thessalonians 2:15; &nbsp;Hebrews 6:1 , RV, marg.; doctrine, e.g., &nbsp;Matthew 13:20; &nbsp;Colossians 3:16; &nbsp;1—Timothy 4:6; &nbsp;2—Timothy 1:13; &nbsp;Titus 1:9; &nbsp;1—John 2:7; </p> &nbsp;John 1:1-18&nbsp;John 1:1,2&nbsp; John 1:3&nbsp; John 1:14&nbsp; John 1:18&nbsp;1—John 1:1&nbsp;John 1:1,4&nbsp; Revelation 19:13&nbsp; 1—John 5:7 <div> '''2: '''''Ῥῆμα''''' ''' (Strong'S #4487 — Noun Neuter — rhema — hray'-mah ) </div> <p> denotes "that which is spoken, what is uttered in speech or writing;" in the singular, "a word," e.g., &nbsp;Matthew 12:36; &nbsp;27:14; &nbsp;2—Corinthians 12:4; &nbsp;13:1; &nbsp;Hebrews 12:19; in the plural, speech, discourse, e.g., &nbsp;John 3:34; &nbsp;8:20; &nbsp;Acts 2:14; &nbsp;6:11,13; &nbsp;11:14; &nbsp;13:42; &nbsp;26:25; &nbsp;Romans 10:18; &nbsp;2—Peter 3:2; &nbsp;Jude 1:17; it is used of the Gospel in &nbsp;Romans 10:8 (twice),17, RV, "the word of Christ" (i.e., the "word" which preaches Christ); 10:18; &nbsp; 1—Peter 1:25 (twice); of a statement, command, instruction, e.g., &nbsp; Matthew 26:75; &nbsp;Luke 1:37 , RV, "(no) word (from God shall be void of power);" &nbsp;Luke 1:38; &nbsp;Acts 11:16; &nbsp;Hebrews 11:3 . </p> &nbsp;Ephesians 6:17&nbsp;Hebrews 7:9&nbsp;Romans 16:18&nbsp;1—Peter 2:2Milk.[[Bring]]&nbsp;Matthew 2:13&nbsp;Colossians 2:4&nbsp;1—Timothy 6:4&nbsp;2—Timothy 2:14[[Strife]]Strive.&nbsp; Acts 24:4FewFew

<p> To the [[Israelites]] of Old Testament times, God’s word was not simply something written down or spoken out, but something active. It had within it the power of God, so that when God expressed his will, that will was carried out. When God said, ‘Let there be light’, there was light (&nbsp;Genesis 1:3). Through the active word of God, the universe was created (&nbsp;Genesis 1:3; &nbsp;Genesis 1:6; &nbsp;Genesis 1:9; &nbsp;Genesis 1:14; &nbsp;Genesis 1:20; &nbsp;Genesis 1:24; &nbsp;Genesis 1:26; &nbsp;Hebrews 11:3; &nbsp;2 Peter 3:5). God’s word could not fail. Whatever it said would happen had to happen (&nbsp;Isaiah 55:10-11). God’s word had such life and power that people often thought of it almost as if it was a person – the living agent or messenger of God (&nbsp;Psalms 33:6; &nbsp;Psalms 107:20; &nbsp;Psalms 147:15; &nbsp;Psalms 147:18). </p> <p> '''Jesus the Word''' </p> <p> In the New Testament Jesus is called the Word (Greek: logos) (&nbsp;1 John 1:1-3). Greek philosophers of the first century used logos in reference to what they believed to be the principle of reason in the universe, but this is not necessarily the way the Bible uses the word. The word logos as used in the New Testament may contain some reference to the Greek ideas, but it is better understood in relation to the Old Testament meaning of ‘word’. </p> <p> The Word of God is the living and active agent of God. It existed before creation and was the means by which God created. The New Testament shows that this Word is more than merely likened to a person, it is a person; no longer ‘it’, but ‘he’. He is not only with God, he is God. This Word is Jesus Christ, who came into the world as a human being. He is the living Word, the living expression of God. His words and deeds are the words and deeds of God (&nbsp;John 1:1-4; &nbsp;John 1:14; cf. &nbsp;Genesis 1:1; &nbsp;Genesis 1:3; &nbsp;Colossians 1:15-17; &nbsp;Hebrews 1:1-3; &nbsp;Revelation 19:13; &nbsp;Revelation 19:16). (For details see [[Jesus Christ; Son Of God]] ) </p> <p> '''The written and spoken Word''' </p> <p> Because God has spoken to the world through Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is the Word. Similarly, because he has spoken through the Scriptures, the Scriptures are the Word (&nbsp;Psalms 119:105; &nbsp;Matthew 15:6; &nbsp;John 10:35). When, however, the Bible writers speak of the written or spoken Word of God, they are usually referring not to a one-volume book such as our Bible, but to the Word of God as announced or preached by God’s representatives. (For details of the Bible as the Word of God see [[Inspiration]] ; [[Scriptures]] .) </p> <p> Prophets, for example, were God’s spokesmen, and their announcements were the authoritative Word of God for his people (&nbsp;Isaiah 1:2-4; &nbsp;Isaiah 1:18; &nbsp;Jeremiah 23:22; &nbsp;Ezekiel 1:3; &nbsp;Hosea 4:1; &nbsp;Joel 1:1; &nbsp;Amos 1:3; &nbsp;Hebrews 1:1-2; see [[Prophecy]] ). Likewise the preaching of the gospel by the New Testament apostles was the proclamation of the Word of God (&nbsp;Acts 4:31; &nbsp;Acts 13:44; &nbsp;Ephesians 1:13; &nbsp;Colossians 1:5-6; &nbsp;1 Peter 1:23; &nbsp;1 Peter 1:25; see [[Gospel]] ; [[Preaching]] ). The instruction in Christian doctrine that followed was the teaching of the Word of God (&nbsp;Acts 18:11; &nbsp;Colossians 3:16; &nbsp;1 Thessalonians 2:13; &nbsp;Hebrews 13:7; see TEACHER). </p> <p> This spoken Word became also the written Word and, like the personal Word Jesus, was living and active. It is still living and active today, and does God’s work in the hearts and lives of those who hear it or read it (&nbsp;Hebrews 4:12). </p>

<p> &nbsp;John 1:1 (a) This is a personification of the Lord [[Jesus Christ. Jesus]]  spoke and His [[Godhead]] and [[Deity]] were revealed at once. His words revealed His character. When He spoke everyone knew at once that it was the voice of GOD. He spoke with life-giving power. He spoke with transforming power. It is as when one speaks on the telephone to a friend many miles away. The moment the voice is heard, the friend recognizes the person, and visualizes his appearance. [[Christ]] is the Word of GOD. </p>

<p> ''''' wûrd ''''' : The commonest term in the Old Testament for "word" is דבר , <i> ''''' dābhār ''''' </i> (also "matter" "thing"); in the New Testament λόγος , <i> ''''' lógos ''''' </i> ("reason," "discourse," "speech"); but also frequently ῥῆμα , <i> ''''' rhḗma ''''' </i> . <i> ''''' Rhēma ''''' </i> is a "word" in itself considered; <i> ''''' logos ''''' </i> is a <i> spoken word </i> , with reference generally to that which is in the speaker's mind. Some of the chief applications of the terms may thus be exhibited: </p> <p> (1) We have the word of [[Yahweh]] (or God ; see below) ( <i> a </i> ) as the revelation <i> to </i> the patriarch, prophet, or inspired person (&nbsp; Genesis 15:1; &nbsp;Exodus 20:1; &nbsp;Numbers 22:38 , etc.); ( <i> b </i> ) as spoken forth <i> by </i> the prophet (&nbsp; Exodus 4:30; &nbsp;Exodus 34:1; &nbsp;2 Kings 7:1; &nbsp;Isaiah 1:10 , etc.). (2) The word is often a commandment, sometimes equivalent to "the Law" (&nbsp;Exodus 32:28; &nbsp;Numbers 20:24; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 6:6; &nbsp;Psalm 105:8; &nbsp;Psalm 119:11 , &nbsp;Psalm 119:17; &nbsp;Isaiah 66:2 , etc.). (3) As a promise and ground of hope (&nbsp;Psalm 119:25 , &nbsp;Psalm 119:28 , &nbsp;Psalm 119:38 , etc.; &nbsp;Psalm 130:5 , etc.). (4) As creative, upholding, and preserving (&nbsp;Psalm 33:6; compare &nbsp;Genesis 1:3 ff; &nbsp; Psalm 147:15 , &nbsp;Psalm 147:18; &nbsp;Hebrews 1:3; &nbsp;Hebrews 11:3; &nbsp;2 Peter 3:5 , &nbsp;2 Peter 3:7 ). (5) As personified (in Apocrypha, The Wisdom of Solomon 18:15; [[Ecclesiasticus]] 1:5, the Revised Version margin "omitted by the best authorities"). (6) As personal (&nbsp;John 1:1 ). <i> ''''' Logos ''''' </i> in Philo and Greek-Jewish philosophy meant both reason or thought and its utterance, "the whole contents of the divine world of thought resting in the <i> ''''' Noús ''''' </i> of God, synonymous with the inner life of God Himself and corresponding to the <i> ''''' logos ''''' </i> <i> ''''' endiáthetos ''''' </i> of the human soul; on the other hand, it is the externalizing of this as revelation corresponding to the <i> ''''' logos ''''' </i> <i> ''''' prophorikós ''''' </i> in which man's thought finds expression (Schultz). Compare also the references to Creation by "the word of God" and its personifications; see Logos; incarnated in Jesus Christ (&nbsp;John 1:14; &nbsp;1 John 1:1 , &nbsp;1 John 1:2; &nbsp;Revelation 19:13 , "His name is called, The Word of God," <i> ''''' [[Ho]] ''''' </i> <i> ''''' Lógos ''''' </i> <i> ''''' toú ''''' </i> <i> ''''' Theoú ''''' </i> ). See [[Person Of Christ]] . (7) [[Cannot]] be broken, endureth forever (&nbsp;2 Kings 10:10; &nbsp;Psalm 119:89; &nbsp;Isaiah 40:8 , etc.). (8) A designation of the gospel of Christ: sometimes simply "the word"; with Jesus "the word of the Kingdom" (&nbsp;Matthew 13:19; &nbsp;Mark 2:2; &nbsp;Acts 4:4 , &nbsp;Acts 4:29 , &nbsp;Acts 4:31 , etc.). In John's Gospel Jesus frequently speaks of His "word" and "works" as containing the divine revelation and requirements made through Him, which men are asked to believe in, cherish and obey (&nbsp;John 5:24; &nbsp;John 6:63 , &nbsp;John 6:68 , etc.); "the words of God" (&nbsp;John 3:34; &nbsp;John 8:47; &nbsp;John 14:10; &nbsp;John 17:8 , &nbsp;John 17:14 , etc.); His "word" ( <i> ''''' logos ''''' </i> and <i> ''''' rhēma ''''' </i> ) is to be distinguished from <i> ''''' laliá ''''' </i> , speech (compare &nbsp;Matthew 26:73; &nbsp;Mark 14:70 ), translated "saying," &nbsp;John 4:42 (&nbsp; John 4:41 , "Many more believed because of his own word" ( <i> ''''' logos ''''' </i> ); &nbsp;John 4:42 , "not because of thy saying" (lalia), the Revised Version (British and American) "speaking"); in the only other occurrence of <i> ''''' lalia ''''' </i> in this Gospel (&nbsp;John 8:43 ) Jesus uses it to distinguish the outward expression from the inner meaning, "Why do ye not understand my speech?" ( <i> ''''' lalia ''''' </i> ), "Even because ye cannot hear my word" ( <i> ''''' logos ''''' </i> ). (9) "Words" are distinguished from "power" (&nbsp;1 Corinthians 4:20; &nbsp;1 Thessalonians 1:5 ); are contrasted with "deed" (&nbsp;Malachi 2:17; &nbsp;1 Corinthians 4:20; &nbsp;1 John 3:18 ). (10) Paul refers to "unspeakable words" ( <i> ''''' árrhēta ''''' </i> <i> ''''' rhḗmata ''''' </i> ) which he heard in [[Paradise]] (&nbsp;2 Corinthians 12:4 ), and to "words ( <i> ''''' logoi ''''' </i> )...which the Spirit teacheth" (&nbsp;1 Corinthians 2:13 ). </p> <p> For "word" the Revised Version (British and American) has "commandment" (&nbsp;Numbers 4:45 , etc.); for "words," "things" (&nbsp;John 7:9; &nbsp;John 8:30; &nbsp;John 9:22 , &nbsp;John 9:40; &nbsp;John 17:1 ), "sayings" (&nbsp;John 10:21; &nbsp;John 12:47 , &nbsp;John 12:48 ); for "enticing words," "persuasiveness of speech" (&nbsp;Colossians 2:4 ); conversely, "word" for "commandment" (&nbsp;Numbers 24:13; &nbsp;Numbers 27:14; &nbsp;Joshua 8:8 , etc.), with numerous other changes. </p>

<p> is in Hebrew ( '''''דָּבָר''''' ''')''' often put for [[Thing]] or matter; as &nbsp;Exodus 2:14. "Surely this thing [Heb. ''Word]'' is known;" "Tomorrow the Lord shall do this thing ''[Heb. Word]'' in the land" (9:5); "I will do a thing [Heb. [[Word]] ] in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle " (&nbsp;1 Samuel 3:11); "And the rest of the acts [Heb. ''Words'' ] of Solomon" (&nbsp;1 Kings 11:41). So likewise the Gr. '''''Ῥῆμα''''' , which properly signifies an ''Utterance,'' came to denote any sensible object or occurrence. </p>