1. Introduction
Modern Charismatic and Pentecostal theology often teaches:
- Logos = the written, general Word of God (Scripture).
- Rhema = a specific, spoken, Spirit-given word for a situation or individual.
This distinction underpins teachings on personal prophecy, spiritual warfare, and faith application. The key question is: Does the original Greek usage support this doctrinal separation?
2. Lexical Analysis of Logos and Rhema
2.1 Logos (λόγος)
General Greek Meaning
- Word, speech, discourse, reason, message, account, principle.
Biblical Usage
| Context | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Christ Himself | The eternal divine Word. | John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Logos…” |
| Preaching/Gospel message | The message proclaimed. | Acts 10:44; 1 Corinthians 1:18. |
| Scripture | The written Word. | Mark 7:13 – “You nullify the Word of God by your tradition.” |
| General speech or saying | Ordinary usage. | Acts 15:32 – “Judas and Silas said much…” |
2.2 Rhema (ῥῆμα)
General Greek Meaning
- That which is spoken, utterance, saying, word.
Biblical Usage
| Context | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Spoken promise or command | Direct word to an individual. | Luke 1:38 – “Let it be to me according to your Rhema.” |
| Scripture quotation | Written Word cited. | Luke 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Rhema of God.” |
| Gospel message preached | Faith-giving proclamation. | Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing… the Rhema of Christ.” |
| General saying or matter | Ordinary speech. | Acts 5:20 – “Go… and tell the people all the Rhema of this life.” |
3. Overlap and Interchangeability
3.1 Scholarly Consensus
3.1.1 Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel, 1964)
Logos and Rhema often overlap. While Rhema can emphasise the spoken aspect, both terms are used for speech, message, command, or Scripture without rigid distinction.
3.1.2 Gordon Fee (1994)
Lexical studies do not support the strict Charismatic separation. Both words can refer to Scripture, preaching, or spoken commands, depending on context.
3.1.3 D. A. Carson (1996)
The popular Logos-Rhema dichotomy is an example of lexical fallacy, reading later theological categories back into first-century Greek usage.
3.2 Biblical Examples of Overlapping Usage
| Verse | Term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ephesians 6:17 | Rhema | “Sword of the Spirit… the Rhema of God.” Refers broadly to God’s Word, often interpreted as Scripture declarations in spiritual warfare. |
| Hebrews 4:12 | Logos | “The Logos of God is living and active,” denoting dynamic and applicable Word, not merely static text. |
| Romans 10:17 | Rhema | “Faith comes by hearing… the Rhema of Christ,” referring contextually to the gospel message preached. |
4. Linguistic Conclusion
4.1 Do Greek Distinctions Support the Modern Teaching?
| Charismatic Teaching | Greek Linguistic Evidence |
|---|---|
| Logos = Written Word (Bible). | Logos often refers to Christ, preaching, general speech, and sometimes Scripture. It is not restricted to written text alone. |
| Rhema = Spoken, specific Word. | Rhema emphasises spoken words but is also used for Scripture quotations and gospel preaching, not exclusively personal prophetic words. |
4.2 Final Linguistic Evaluation
The Greek does not support a rigid doctrinal distinction. Both words:
- Are used interchangeably for God’s speech, Scripture, commands, and gospel proclamation.
- Differ slightly in nuance (Logos = message, reason, speech; Rhema = utterance, saying) but context defines meaning.
5. Theological and Practical Implications
5.1 Potential Value of the Practical Distinction
While linguistically unsupported, the practical teaching:
- Encourages believers to seek Spirit-led application (Rhema) of Scriptural truths (Logos) in daily life.
- Must remain subordinate to Scripture’s authority, avoiding elevating subjective impressions as independent revelation.
5.2 Risks of Lexical Fallacy
Constructing doctrines based on assumed lexical meanings without considering:
- Contextual usage in Scripture.
- The full semantic range of Greek words.
This can lead to misinterpretation and unbiblical teaching emphasis (Carson, 1996).
6. Summary Table
| Aspect | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| Greek linguistic meaning | Logos and Rhema overlap in meaning; context determines nuance. |
| Support for modern distinction | No linguistic basis for a rigid doctrinal separation. |
| Practical teaching | Can be pastorally helpful if understood as functional distinction, not ontological or doctrinal. |
| Theological caution | All words claimed as Rhema must be tested against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21). |
7. Conclusion
Greek linguistic distinctions between Logos and Rhema do not support the strict modern Charismatic teaching differences. Both terms are used interchangeably in the New Testament to refer to God’s communication in various forms. Practical use of the distinction is acceptable if it remains subject to Scripture, avoids lexical fallacies, and does not construct doctrine on artificial word divisions.
8. References
- Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker.
- Fee, G. D. (1994). God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul. Peabody: Hendrickson.
- Kittel, G., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Vol. 4). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
- Morris, L. (1995). The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.