1. Introduction
In modern preaching, Logos and Rhema are often distinguished sharply (e.g. Logos as the written Word, Rhema as a spoken or specific Word). However, traditional Greek linguistic scholarship and biblical exegesis hold that Logos and Rhema are often used interchangeably, referring broadly to God’s Word in speech, message, or revelation, without implying systematic doctrinal divisions.
2. Lexical and Semantic Analysis
2.1 Logos (λόγος)
| General Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|
| Word, speech, discourse, reason, message | John 1:1 – The Word (Logos) was with God and was God. |
| Acts 10:44 – The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the Word (Logos). | |
| Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God is living and active. |
2.2 Rhema (ῥῆμα)
| General Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|
| Word, utterance, saying, thing spoken | Luke 1:38 – “Let it be to me according to your word (Rhema).” |
| Luke 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (Rhema) of God.” | |
| Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word (Rhema) of Christ.” |
2.3 Overlapping Usage
2.3.1 Non-Doctrinal Distinction
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel, 1964) notes:
Logos and Rhema frequently overlap, both referring to speech, message, or divine communication, with Rhema sometimes emphasising the spoken aspect, but no rigid theological distinction is systematically maintained in biblical usage.
3. Examples of Interchangeability
| Verse | Usage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ephesians 6:17 | Rhema | “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word (Rhema) of God.” Context: Scripture declaration in spiritual warfare. |
| Hebrews 4:12 | Logos | “The Word (Logos) of God is living and active.” Context: God’s Word penetrating hearts, whether written or spoken. |
| Luke 5:5 | Rhema | Peter says, “At your word (Rhema) I will let down the nets.” Practical instruction, though it carries divine authority. |
| Acts 6:7 | Logos | “The Word (Logos) of God spread, and the number of disciples increased.” Refers to gospel proclamation. |
Observation
In these and other verses, both terms denote God’s authoritative communication, without doctrinal insistence on Logos = written Scripture and Rhema = specific spoken word.
4. Traditional Scholarly Perspectives
| Scholar | Viewpoint |
|---|---|
| Kittel (TDNT, 1964) | No ontological or doctrinal division; Logos and Rhema are contextually determined synonyms. |
| Fee (1994) | Distinctions in charismatic theology risk lexical fallacy; biblical usage is fluid. |
| Morris (1995) | John’s use of Logos is theological, referring to Christ, but elsewhere Logos and Rhema overlap. |
5. Theological Implications
5.1 Logos and Rhema as God’s Word
Both Logos and Rhema communicate:
- God’s revelation, whether in Scripture, preaching, or prophetic speech.
- Authority, as both are used interchangeably to denote God’s commands, promises, and declarations.
5.2 Pastoral Caution
While distinguishing Logos and Rhema devotionally (e.g. general vs. specific word) can aid spiritual reflection, systematising this as doctrinally absolute lacks lexical support and risks reading meaning into texts (eisegesis) rather than drawing it out (exegesis).
6. Conclusion
The traditional linguistic view affirms:
- Logos and Rhema are often used interchangeably in Scripture.
- Both refer to God’s Word in its spoken, written, preached, or revealed forms, with any nuanced difference depending on contextual emphasis rather than inherent doctrinal categorisation.
Thus, no strict theological separation should be imposed beyond what the text contextually supports.
7. References
- 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.
- Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker.