1. Introduction
Both Logos (λόγος) and Rhema (ῥῆμα) are Greek words commonly translated as word, speech, message, or saying in English Bibles. Their usage overlaps significantly, with nuanced differences depending on context.
2. Logos (λόγος)
2.1 General Greek Meaning
- Logos: Word, message, reason, discourse, account, principle.
2.2 Key Biblical Usages and Translations
| Reference | Translation (ESV/NIV/NASB) | Context and Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| John 1:1 | “In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” | Christ as the eternal divine Word. |
| Mark 7:13 | “Thus you nullify the word (Logos) of God by your tradition…” | Scripture as God’s authoritative Word. |
| Acts 10:44 | “While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word (Logos).” | The preached gospel message. |
| Hebrews 4:12 | “For the word (Logos) of God is living and active…” | God’s Word as powerful and effective, possibly referring to Scripture or God’s spoken commands. |
| 1 Corinthians 1:18 | “For the word (Logos) of the cross is folly to those who are perishing…” | The gospel message about Christ’s crucifixion. |
| James 1:22 | “Be doers of the word (Logos), and not hearers only…” | The moral instruction and teaching of Scripture. |
| Acts 15:32 | “Judas and Silas… said much (Logos) to encourage and strengthen the brothers.” | General speech or teaching. |
3. Rhema (ῥῆμα)
3.1 General Greek Meaning
- Rhema: That which is spoken, utterance, saying, word. Emphasises the spoken or uttered aspect compared to Logos’ broader semantic range.
3.2 Key Biblical Usages and Translations
| Reference | Translation (ESV/NIV/NASB) | Context and Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Luke 1:38 | “Let it be to me according to your word (Rhema).” | Mary’s response to Gabriel’s spoken promise about Jesus’ birth. |
| Luke 2:19 | “Mary treasured up all these things (Rhemata), pondering them in her heart.” | Spoken events or sayings about Jesus’ birth. |
| Luke 4:4 | “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (Rhema) of God.” | Scripture quotation from Deuteronomy 8:3. |
| Acts 5:20 | “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words (Rhemata) of this Life.” | Angelic command to preach the gospel. |
| Romans 10:17 | “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word (Rhema) of Christ.” | The preached gospel message that births saving faith. |
| Ephesians 6:17 | “Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word (Rhema) of God.” | The spoken or applied Word in spiritual warfare. |
| Hebrews 11:3 | “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word (Rhema) of God…” | God’s spoken command in creation. |
4. Comparative Observations
4.1 Overlap in Usage
Both Logos and Rhema are:
- Translated as word, message, saying, or speech.
- Used for Scripture, spoken commands, gospel proclamation, and general speech.
4.2 Nuanced Distinctions
| Term | Emphasis |
|---|---|
| Logos | Broader meaning: message, reason, discourse, and Christ Himself as the eternal Word (John 1:1). |
| Rhema | Emphasises spoken utterances, commands, or words made alive in specific contexts. |
However, New Testament usage does not support a doctrinally rigid separation; distinctions are practical and contextual rather than ontological (Fee, 1994; Carson, 1996).
5. Summary Table
| Term | Biblical Usage | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Logos | Christ, Scripture, gospel message, general teaching or speech. | John 1:1; Mark 7:13; Acts 10:44; Hebrews 4:12. |
| Rhema | Spoken commands, promises, Scripture quotations, gospel proclamation. | Luke 1:38; Luke 4:4; Romans 10:17; Ephesians 6:17. |
6. Conclusion
Both Logos and Rhema are used widely in Scripture, translated as word in English Bibles. While:
- Logos has broader semantic range, including Christ as the eternal Word and the content of divine revelation.
- Rhema emphasises spoken utterances, commands, or sayings, including Scripture when spoken or applied.
Their usage in the NT demonstrates functional overlap, with distinctions being contextual rather than doctrinally absolute.
7. 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.