Word (Logos)
λόγος (logos)
The comprehensive divine self-expression — reason, message, and ultimately Christ Himself.
Logos is the Greek word for word, meaning reason, speech, and the total message. John identifies Jesus as the Logos — the eternal Word of God through whom all things were created and in whom God fully reveals Himself.
"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
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G3056 — Word (Logos) (λόγος (logos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where λόγος (logos) appears.
Open Strong's G3056Etymology and Original Meaning
Logos has an extraordinarily rich range of meaning in Greek: word, speech, reason, account, principle, and message. In Greek philosophy, logos was the rational principle governing the universe. In Jewish thought, God's word (dabar) was His creative, self-revealing speech. John brilliantly combines both traditions: the Logos is the personal, rational, self-expressing God.
The Logos in John's Prologue
John 1:1-14 is one of the most profound passages in all of literature. The Logos was 'in the beginning' — eternal. The Logos was 'with God' — in personal relationship. The Logos 'was God' — fully divine. Through the Logos, 'all things were made' — the agent of creation. And the Logos 'was made flesh' — the incarnation. In fourteen verses, John unpacks the identity and mission of Christ.
Logos vs. Rhēma
While both logos and rhēma are translated 'word,' they carry different emphases. Logos tends toward the comprehensive message — the total revelation, the eternal plan, the person of Christ Himself. Rhēma tends toward the specific utterance — the timely, personal word spoken in a particular moment. Together they capture the fullness of God's communication: the complete message and its personal application.
The Living and Active Word
Hebrews 4:12 describes the word of God as 'quick [living], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit.' God's word is not a dead text but a living instrument that penetrates, exposes, discerns, and transforms. Whether encountered in Scripture, preaching, or the person of Christ, the Logos is dynamic, effectual, and unstoppable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does logos mean in the Bible?
Logos means word, reason, and comprehensive message. John uses it as a title for Christ: the eternal Word of God who was with God, was God, created all things, and became flesh.
Why is Jesus called the Word?
Jesus is the Logos because He is God's ultimate self-expression — the full, final, personal communication of who God is. Just as words express thoughts, Jesus expresses God's nature, will, and love (John 1:1, 14, 18).
Which Bible verse uses the word "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, Hebrews 4:12.
Why does the Greek word behind "Word (Logos)" matter?
Logos has an extraordinarily rich range of meaning in Greek: word, speech, reason, account, principle, and message. English uses one word, "Word (Logos)", where the Greek λόγος (logos) carries the fuller sense: the comprehensive divine self-expression — reason, message, and ultimately christ himself.
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.
Word (Rhema) (ῥῆμα (rhēma))
A spoken word — a specific, timely utterance from God that activates faith.
Strong's G4487 — Word (Rhema)
ῥῆμα (rhēma) • A spoken word — a specific, timely utterance from God that activates faith.
Strong's G3056 — Logos
λόγος (logos) • The Word — divine reason, speech, and the person of Christ.
Biblical Meaning of a Garden in a Dream (KJV)
Intimacy with God, cultivated growth, or Eden restored.
Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)
Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.
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