1. Introduction
In many Charismatic and Pentecostal teachings, it is commonly stated:
- Logos = the entire written Word of God (the Bible).
- Rhema = a specific spoken or applied word drawn from Logos for a particular situation.
The question is whether this distinction is biblically and linguistically accurate or a practical teaching tool without strict exegetical basis.
2. Biblical and Lexical Analysis
2.1 Logos (λόγος)
2.1.1 General Greek Meaning
- Word, speech, message, discourse, reason, or account.
2.1.2 Biblical Usage
| Context | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Christ Himself | The eternal divine Word. | John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Logos…” |
| Gospel proclamation | The preached message. | Acts 10:44 – Peter preaching, Holy Spirit falls. |
| Scripture | God’s written Word. | Mark 7:13 – “You nullify the Word (Logos) of God by your tradition.” |
| General speech | Ordinary usage. | Acts 15:32 – Judas and Silas spoke much (Logos) to encourage. |
2.2 Rhema (ῥῆμα)
2.2.1 General Greek Meaning
- That which is spoken, utterance, saying.
2.2.2 Biblical Usage
| Context | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Spoken commands or promises | Direct word to an individual. | Luke 1:38 – Mary: “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.” |
| Preached gospel message | Hearing leads to faith. | Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing… the Rhema of Christ.” |
| General saying | Ordinary speech. | Acts 5:20 – “Go… tell the people all the Rhema of this life.” |
2.3 Overlapping and Interchangeability
Scholars agree:
- Logos and Rhema often overlap in meaning. Context determines nuance.
- Both can refer to Scripture, gospel proclamation, or spoken words, undermining rigid doctrinal separation.
Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel, 1964)
Logos and Rhema are largely interchangeable; Rhema emphasises the spoken aspect, but there is no ontological or systematic doctrinal distinction.
3. Charismatic Teaching: Logos as Bible; Rhema as Specific Application
3.1 Teaching Summary
| Teaching | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Logos | The whole written Word (Bible). |
| Rhema | A verse or promise specifically quickened by the Spirit to a believer’s situation. |
3.2 Linguistic Evaluation
- Logos is used for Scripture in some texts (e.g. Mark 7:13), but also refers to Christ Himself, gospel preaching, and general speech.
- Rhema also refers to Scripture quotations (Luke 4:4) and gospel preaching (Romans 10:17).
Thus, Scripture does not define Logos exclusively as the written Bible, nor Rhema as merely a part applied specifically. These distinctions are:
- Practical teaching tools within Charismatic discipleship.
- Not strict biblical categories demanded by Greek usage.
4. Theological Implications
4.1 Practical Value
- The Logos–Rhema distinction encourages believers to seek Spirit-led application of Scripture, fostering relational engagement with God’s Word.
4.2 Risks of Rigid Doctrinal Separation
- May oversimplify biblical vocabulary, leading to lexical fallacies (Carson, 1996).
- Can suggest that Rhema words carry separate or higher authority, undermining the sufficiency of Scripture if not tested properly.
5. Biblical Integration: A Balanced View
5.1 Logos as God’s Communication
Logos broadly denotes God’s communication:
- Eternal Word (Christ) – John 1:1.
- Written Word (Scripture) – Mark 7:13.
- Preached gospel – Acts 10:44.
- Spoken teaching – Acts 15:32.
5.2 Rhema as God’s Spoken Word
Rhema denotes spoken words, commands, or quotations, often highlighting specific application or utterance, but:
- It is not confined to “applied parts of Scripture”.
- It is used for Scripture quotations themselves.
6. Summary Table
| Term | Biblical Usage | Charismatic Teaching | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logos | Christ, Scripture, gospel, general speech. | Entire written Bible. | Partially accurate; broader biblical usage. |
| Rhema | Spoken words, commands, Scripture quotes, gospel proclamation. | Part of Scripture applied specifically to life. | Practical but linguistically not exclusive. |
7. Conclusion
Logos is not exclusively equivalent to the entire Bible, nor is Rhema strictly a part of Logos applied specifically. Biblically:
- Both refer to God’s Word in various forms, with overlapping usage.
- The Charismatic distinction is useful devotionally, encouraging believers to seek Spirit-illuminated application of Scripture.
However, it is essential to:
- Avoid lexical absolutism unsupported by Scripture.
- Uphold Scripture (Logos) as the final authority, with all Rhema words tested against it for sound doctrine and spiritual growth.
8. References
- Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker.
- Grudem, W. (2000). The Gift of Prophecy in the New Testament and Today. Leicester: IVP.
- 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.