The Word
1. logos
(I) denotes “the expression of thought”—not the mere name of an object—(a)
as embodying a conception or idea; (b) a saying or statement, (1) by GOD, (2) by CHRIST, In connection with (1) and (2) the phrase
“the word of the LORD,” i.e., the revealed will of GOD (very frequent in the OT), is used of a direct revelation given by CHRIST, in this respect it is the message from the LORD, delivered with His authority and made effective by His power; sometimes
it is used as the sum of GOD’s utterances, discourse, speech, of
instruction; doctrine.
(II) “The Personal Word,” a title of the Son
of GOD.
2. rhema
denotes “that which is spoken, what is uttered in speech or writing”; in the
singular, “a word,” in the plural, speech, discourse.
The significance of rhema (as distinct from logos) is exemplified in the injunction to
take “the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the Word of GOD,” Ephesians 6:17; here the reference is
not to the whole Bible as such, but to the
individual Scripture which the SPIRIT brings to
our remembrance for use in time of need, a
prerequisite being the regular storing of the
mind with Scripture.1
The Word refers to the Law,
the Scripture, the Prophecies, the Commandments, the Statutes, etc., every form
of communication from GOD to us.
“Turn at My rebuke; surely I
will pour My SPIRIT on you; I will make My Words known to you. My son, if
you receive My Words, and treasure My Commands within you, so that you incline
your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out
for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as
silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the
fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of GOD. For the LORD gives wisdom;
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Incline your ear and hear the
words of the wise, and apply your heart to My Knowledge; for it is a pleasant
thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips, so
that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not
written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you
know the certainty of the Words of Truth, that you may answer words of truth to
those who send to you (or send you)?
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he
who keeps the Law. Every Word of GOD is pure (tested,
refined, found pure); He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Do not add to His Words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs
1:23, 2:1-6, 22:17-21, 29:18, 30:5-6)
JESUS is the
living Word, John 1:1-18 (study it).
King David has a lot to say
about the Word; study Psalm 19:7-11 and Psalm 119 (which is
an alphabetic acrostic in Hebrew).
The
Bible is the Word of GOD and He has a lot to say about His Word, James 1:21,
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow (abundance) of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted Word,
which is able to save your souls.”
“That
I may make you know the certainty of the Words of Truth, that you may answer
words of truth to those who send to you (or send
you)?” Proverbs 22:21. In Luke 11:27-28 JESUS says, “And it happened as He
spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and
said to Him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed
You!’ But He said. ‘More than that, blessed are those who hear the Word of GOD and keep it!’”
In Matthew 5:17-18 He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the
Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to
you, one jot (Gr. iota, Heb. Yod, the smallest letter) or one tittle
(the smallest stroke in a Heb. letter) will by no means pass from the Law till
all is fulfilled.” Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, “and from childhood you have
known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS. All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction (training, discipline) in righteousness,
that the man of GOD may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We
can only know and speak truth if we know truth, JESUS is the Truth (John 14:6) and
the only way we can know Him today is by His Word and His SPIRIT.
“Where
there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who
keeps the Law.” Proverbs 29:18. GOD instructs us in Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law
shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night (you shall be constantly in), that you
may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall
make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Again we must
always be a student of GOD’s Word if we hope to be successful in this life and
enter into eternity in His Kingdom.
“Turn
at My rebuke; surely I will pour My SPIRIT on you; I will make My Words known to you.” Proverbs
1:23. Psalm 19:7-11 says, “The Law of The LORD is perfect, converting (restoring) the soul; the Testimony of The LORD is sure,
making wise the simple; the Statutes of The LORD are right, rejoicing the
heart; the Commandment of The LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of The LORD is clean,
enduring forever; the Judgments of the LORD are True and Righteous altogether. More to be desired
are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the
honeycomb (honey in the combs).
Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is much
reward.” The SPIRIT of GOD convicts us and trains us and how do we know it is
the SPIRIT of GOD? By The Word of GOD! The SPIRIT and the Word are never in conflict in John 4:23, JESUS said we will
worship GOD in SPIRIT and TRUTH and JESUS is the Living WORD and The TRUTH and has sent
His SPIRIT to instruct us!
“He
is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His Words, lest
He rebuke you and you be found a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6. JESUS says in Revelation
1:3 and 22:18-19, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the Words of this
Prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. For
(NU. M omit For) I testify to
everyone who hears the Words of the Prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to
these things, GOD (M may GOD add) will add to him the plagues that are written in this
Book; and if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this Prophecy, GOD (M may GOD take away) shall take away his part from the Book of Life (NU.
M tree of life), from the Holy City,
and from the things which are written in this Book.”
