The Greek word Logos (λόγος) is foundational in Christian theology, particularly in understanding the identity of Jesus Christ and the nature of divine revelation. The word Logos is often translated as “Word” in English but carries profound implications in both Greek philosophy and biblical revelation.
Logos appears prominently in John 1:1-3 (NKJV):
“In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
The use of Logos here connects directly with the identity of Jesus Christ as the eternal, divine expression of God. However, Logos is distinct from other Greek words related to speech and communication in Scripture, such as rhema (ῥῆμα) and laleo (λαλέω).
Logos vs. Other Greek Words for Speech
While Logos carries a profound theological weight, other Greek words used in the New Testament for speaking and words have different nuances:
- Logos (λόγος) – Refers to a comprehensive, structured expression of thought, reason, or divine revelation. It can refer to Jesus Christ as the self-expression of God or to the written Scriptures as God’s revealed message.
- Rhema (ῥῆμα) – Refers to a spoken word or utterance, often focusing on a specific saying or message given in the moment (e.g., Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (rhema) that proceeds from the mouth of God”).
- Laleo (λαλέω) – A verb meaning “to speak” generally, without necessarily focusing on the content or message’s depth.
- Epos (ἔπος) – Rarely used in the New Testament, focusing on poetic or formal speech.
Logos conveys an overarching, eternal truth or principle, while rhema often refers to a specific spoken word from God or His direct revelation in a moment.
Why Jesus is Called the Logos of God
The Apostle John’s use of Logos in John 1:1 identifies Jesus Christ as the eternal, divine expression of God. This was not merely a poetic metaphor but a profound theological truth affirming His divine nature and active role in creation and revelation.
Eternal Pre-existence and Divinity:
“In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
Jesus is not a created being but eternally co-existent with God the Father.
The Agent of Creation:
“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:3)
This mirrors Genesis 1:3, where God spoke creation into existence through His Word.
The Perfect Revelation of God:
John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.”
Jesus, as Logos, embodies God’s perfect self-revelation in human form.
The Word as Truth and Life:
John 1:4: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
Christ reveals not just the words of truth but is the source of life and truth itself (John 14:6).
The Old Testament Concept of the “Word of the Lord”
The concept of Logos in the New Testament is closely tied to the Old Testament idea of the “Word of the Lord” (Dabar Yahweh דְבַר־יְהוָה). Throughout the Old Testament, the “Word of the Lord” is often personified as God’s active presence or a theophany (appearance of God).
Creation Through the Word:
Genesis 1:3: “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.”
Creation occurred through the spoken Word of God, foreshadowing Christ as the creative Logos in John 1:3.
Theophanies and Manifestations of God’s Word:
Genesis 15:1: “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision…”
The Word often appears in a personal, active way, prefiguring the Incarnation of Christ as the Word made flesh.
Jeremiah 1:4: “Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying…”
The Word of the Lord in context is the source from what is being said and not the object of what is being said. We can only understand this to also be a theophany.
The Logos of John’s Gospel is, therefore, the fulfillment of the Old Testament “Word of the Lord,” not merely words spoken but the personal revelation of God in Christ.
Differentiating Between the “Word of God” as Scripture and the “Word of God” as Jesus
The phrase “Word of God” is used in two primary ways in the Bible: referring to Scripture and to Jesus Christ Himself.
The Word as Scripture:
Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…”
This refers to the written word, the inspired Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Word as Jesus Christ:
Revelation 19:13: “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.”
Here, the Word of God is clearly Jesus Christ in His glorified state, leading the armies of heaven.
Key Difference:
The written Word (Scripture) reveals God’s truth and is inspired by the Spirit.
The Living Word (Jesus) is the fullest expression of God’s nature, truth, and life.
Both forms of the Word work together, as Jesus affirms the authority of Scripture (e.g., John 17:17, “Your word is truth”).
Logos and the Trinity
Jesus being called the Logos emphasizes His unique role in the Trinity.
The Father speaks.
The Son (Logos) reveals.
The Spirit empowers and applies the Word.
This aligns with Hebrews 1:3, where Christ is called “the express image of His person.” The Son reveals the invisible God through His very being.
How the Logos Works in our Lives
Salvation through the Word: Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Renewing the Mind: The Word transforms believers through the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2).
Living in the Word: Jesus declared, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31).
Spiritual Warfare: The Word is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).
My Final Thoughts
The Logos is more than just a word or message—it is the eternal self-expression of God revealed fully in the person of Jesus Christ. As the Word made flesh, Jesus reveals the heart, truth, and will of God perfectly. Scripture, inspired by the Spirit, serves as the written revelation of that same truth, pointing back to the living Logos.
A right understanding of Logos reminds us that knowing Jesus is not merely about information but revelation—God’s eternal truth made personal and relational in Christ. To know Jesus as the Word of God is to know the fullness of divine truth, wisdom, and life.
