Logos
λόγος (logos)
The Word — divine reason, speech, and the person of Christ.
Logos means 'word,' 'reason,' or 'speech' and is used by John to identify Jesus as the eternal, divine Word who was with God and was God from the beginning.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." — John 1:1 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”Read in context
John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”Read in context
Revelation 19:13
“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G3056 — Logos (λόγος (logos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where λόγος (logos) appears.
Open Strong's G3056Etymology and Origin
Logos is one of the richest words in the Greek language. In philosophy, Heraclitus used it for the rational principle governing the universe. The Stoics saw it as cosmic reason. In Jewish thought, the memra (word) of God was His creative and revelatory agent. John brilliantly synthesized these concepts, declaring that the Logos is not an abstract principle but a divine Person — Jesus Christ.
Theological Significance
By calling Jesus the Logos, John makes staggering claims: Christ is eternal ('in the beginning'), relational ('with God'), and divine ('was God'). The Logos is the agent of creation ('all things were made by him') and the source of revelation ('the Word was made flesh'). This title bridges Jewish and Greek thought, presenting Christ as both the fulfillment of Hebrew prophecy and the answer to Greek philosophical inquiry.
Practical Application
Understanding Jesus as the Logos means that God is not silent — He has spoken decisively through His Son. It means that ultimate truth is not an idea but a Person. Believers encounter the Logos through Scripture, prayer, and the community of faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Logos mean in John 1?
In John 1, Logos (the Word) refers to Jesus Christ as the eternal, divine Word of God who existed before creation, participated in creation, and became human to reveal God to humanity.
Why did John use the word Logos?
John used Logos because it resonated with both Jewish and Greek audiences. Jews understood God's word as creative and powerful, while Greeks recognized logos as the principle of cosmic reason.
What is the Greek word for "Logos" in the Bible?
λόγος (logos), pronounced "LOH-goss." It means the word — divine reason, speech, and the person of christ. Its Strong's number is G3056. It is the word behind "Logos" in the New Testament, for example in John 1:1.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Logos"?
John 1:1 — "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (KJV). It also appears in John 1:14, Revelation 19:13.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Word (Logos) (λόγος (logos))
The comprehensive divine self-expression — reason, message, and ultimately Christ Himself.
Logos (λόγος (logos))
The Word — divine reason, speech, and the person of Christ.
Strong's G3056 — Logos
λόγος (logos) • The Word — divine reason, speech, and the person of Christ.
Biblical Meaning of Angels in a Dream (KJV)
God's messengers — protection, direction, or warning.
Strong's H1697 — Word (Dabar)
דָּבָר (dabar) • Word, speech, or matter — God's creative, powerful, self-revealing communication.
Biblical Meaning of Water in a Dream (KJV)
Cleansing, the Spirit, and the Word of God.
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