Logos vs rhema

[TonyChanYT]

The Greek words logos and rhema are often translated as word. Their meanings overlap.

Luke 5:

1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word <logos> of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret

Strong's Greek: 3056. λόγος (logos) — 331 Occurrences

Matthew 4:

4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word <rhema> that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Romans 10:

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word <rhema> of Christ.

Strong's Greek: 4487. ῥῆμα (rhéma) — 70 Occurrences

BDAG, ῥῆμα
① that which is said, word, saying, expression, or statement of any kind
② an event that can be spoken about, thing, object, matter, event

Both could be utterances that are heard. Logos was used in 316 verses while rhema was used in 67 verses in the New Testament.

What is the difference then?

Logos can mean divine expression or divine reason in the general sense, John 1:

1 In the beginning was the Word <logos>, and the Word <logos> was with God, and the Word <logos> was God.

BDAG, λόγος
① a communication whereby the mind finds expression, word
② computation, reckoning
ⓐ a formal accounting
ⓑ settlement (of an account)
ⓒ reflection, respect
ⓓ reason for or cause of someth
③ the independent personified expression of God, the Logos.

A rhema word is often more definite and particular and situational, Ephesians 6:

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word <rhema> of God.

Compared to a rhema-word, a logos-word could carry a more abstract quality.

 

[St. SteVen]

Good topic, thanks.
I especially like this part.

Logos can mean divine expression or divine reason in the general sense, John 1:

BDAG, λόγος
① a communication whereby the mind finds expression, word
② computation, reckoning
ⓐ a formal accounting
ⓑ settlement (of an account)
ⓒ reflection, respect
ⓓ reason for or cause of someth
③ the independent personified expression of God, the Logos.

"...divine expression or divine reason in the general sense..."
This was the point of my topic on the subject of Logos.

Is the Logos meaningful, or meaningless? - Depends on your view of Logos.

I want to discuss the Logos as what it means before the Logos became flesh. (and dwelt among us) In the beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with God, and the Logos was God. (John 1:1) This tells three things about the Logos. 1) The Logos was from the beginning. 2) The Logos was with...

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[St. SteVen]

Can't believe I am the only respondent on this topic.

Back to the top.


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