Word
“Dabhar, meaning word, thing, or matter; Greek logos means word, reason, or discourse”
Summary
In Scripture 'the Word' refers to God's revelation, commandments, and creative utterance, and most supremely to Jesus Christ as the personal Revealer of God.
☩Hebrew and Greek Usage
The Hebrew dabhar means both 'word' and 'thing' or 'matter,' reflecting the Hebrew understanding that words have substance and power. The Greek logos can mean reason, discourse, or speech, and is used for Christ in John's Gospel. Rhema is used for individual utterances or sayings. In Hebrew thought, a word spoken by God is instinct with Divine will and effects its own fulfillment—it does not return void but accomplishes God's purpose.
☩The Word as Divine Revelation
The 'word of the Lord' frequently denotes God's revelation to patriarchs, prophets, and inspired persons. It appears as commandment, equivalent to the Law; as promise and ground of hope; and as creative power by which God made and upholds all things. In the Gospels, Jesus' word carries unique authority—it has power to heal diseases, quiet storms, and impart eternal life. The word of the Kingdom refers to the gospel message preached by Christ and His apostles.
☩Christ as the Word
John's Prologue presents Christ as the Word (Logos) who was with God and was God from the beginning, through whom all things were made, and who became flesh and dwelt among us. As the Word, Christ is the substance and expression of God's mind toward humanity. In Revelation, the returning Christ is named 'The Word of God.' This title asserts His eternal existence, true deity, and distinct personality while expressing His role as the intelligent and intelligible Revealer of the Godhead.
Related Verses1179 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Word," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Word," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Word," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Word," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.George Morrish, "Word," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).